Chelsea and Manchester United have both been told that they can sign Real Madrid’s ultra talented young defender Raphael Varane for only £20 million in the January transfer window, according to the Daily Express.

Man Utd and the Stamford Bridge club are both thought to be in the market for a new central defender this month.

Varane, who has impressed in the small snippets of action that he has been afforded at Real, has become both side’s top target.

The French international is on the hunt for first team football, having seen his opportunities limited under former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Both Premier League sides are willing to offer Varane that, and are plotting bids as a result.

Real are willing to cut Varane loose if they get offered a deal matching his £20 million valuation.

Part of the reason behind their willingness to part with him is the fact they are keen to give Nacho, who the club produced themselves, a chance in the first team.

Manchester United and Chelsea have both been put on alert after Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane admitted that he wanted to play more first team football going forward, as reported by the Daily Star.

Varane has emerged as one of the most highly rated young players in Europe, and as a result, has been attracting attention from a series of top clubs around the world.

Man Utd are known to hold an interest in him, and would definitely like to improve their defensive options in January.

Current Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho worked closely with Varane at Real Madrid, giving him his debut in the first team, and would welcome an opportunity to link up with his former charge.

Chelsea could also do with additions in the middle of defence, given the increasing age of their options in that position.

Varane has admitted that he would like to play more football for his club, which might suggest to Chelsea and Man Utd that he could be tempted into a switch.

Varane said: “It’s different with the national team. I get more minutes and have more responsibility in the team.

“The aim is to reach the same level of involvement in the club.”