Chelsea are reportedly looking at two young defenders as they look to bring in another centre back.
Both Raphael Varane and Eliaquim Mangala are potential targets according to a report from The London Evening Standard.
Both players have senior caps for their national side and are part of the France squad for The World Cup in Brazil and could feature in today’s round of 16 game against Nigeria.
Varane has nailed down a starting place in the French squad and has put in a number of fine performances for the side during The World Cup group stages.
Since moving to Real Madrid from Lens in 2011 he has gone on to make 38 league appearances.
Although for the most part he has been seen as back up to Sergio Ramos and Pepe, he has seen more regular starts over the past season as he has established himself. He also has experience of playing under Mourinho who brought him to Real Madrid while manager.
Mangala meanwhile has become a vital figure at Porto. He has helped the side to win both league and cups with the Portuguese side, during which time he has managed to amass 92 appearances in competitions.
While he only has 3 senior caps for France he has represented the U21 side 23 times and is seen as a potential star of the future.
Chelsea appear to be taking a long-term approach to defensive signings. In January they signed 19 year old Kurt Zouma from St. Etienne before immediately loaning him back to the French side. Both potential signings are under 24 and would represent sound investments for the future.
With the departure of David Luiz to PSG and the fact that John Terry is now 33 and nearing the end of his career, it should come as no surprise that Chelsea are looking to bring in centre backs. Especially considering the reported interest the club has in loaning out Zouma in the upcoming season.
