Chelsea will have to cough up £75 million this summer if they're serious about signing Real Madrid's Gareth Bale. That's the hefty fee the La Liga giants have set for the wide forward, per the Daily Mail's Rob Shepherd.
He believes the Blues are prepared to pay it, despite Bale potentially preferring to stay in the Spanish capital for one more year. Things have been tough for Bale at club level recently.
Stan Collymore told Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey Bale is struggling to adjust to playing second fiddle to Los Merengues star attraction Cristiano Ronaldo:
Bale was widely criticised following Los Blanco's recent 2-1 El Clasico defeat to hated rival Barcelona. The Telegraph detailed the former Tottenham Hotspurs star's relative anonymity in Madrid's biggest game of the season.
Bale's car was then attacked by angry fans, per Sky Sports. That incident prompted speculation Bale may opt to return to the Premier League rather than settle his family in a hostile atmosphere, according to Daily Mail writer Pete Jenson.
If Bale does choose the former course, Shepherd named Chelsea as front-runners ahead of Manchester City. He cited the Stamford Bridge Club's advantage amid Financial Fair Play Rules.
Despite any perceived struggles in Madrid, Bale would certainly be an asset at Chelsea. His incredible pace, powerful left-foot shot and aerial prowess make him a lethal attacker.
Bale would benefit from some of Chelsea's current forward talent, even if Mourinho's squad is bloated in wide areas. The Blues boss already has Eden Hazard, Juan Cuadrado and Willian available to torment defences from the wings.
But Bale is a more direct attacking option. Hazard's trickery and guile would combine well with the Welshman's physical power.
With Hazard and Spanish playmaker Cesc Fabregas supplying him, Bale would be practically unstoppable at Stamford Bridge.
That potential may be enough for Mourinho to justify spending a fortune to front-load a squad that needs some help at the back.
Raphael Varane Could Be Available this Summer
Before he looks at the forward line, Mourinho would be wise to revamp an ageing and plodding defence. His best bet may be Raphael Varane, his former prodigy at Madrid.
Mourinho will welcome news that the dynamic and athletic centre-back could be available this summer. Sunday People writer Tom Hopkinson (h/t Mirror) reports Los Blancos may sell the young Frenchman as they attempt to seal a new deal for veteran defender Pepe.
An announcement regarding the latter's contract situation is reportedly imminent. Hopkinson believes Madrid will then listen to offers in the £22 million range for Varane.
Mourinho has already made the 21-year-old his top summer target, according to Mirror reporter John Cross. Chelsea already have the ideal defensive partner for the player Mourinho accelerated into the first team during his time in the Spanish capital.
Varane and fellow young French international Kurt Zouma would form a formidable duo. They would certainly offer more pace than John Terry and Gary Cahill.
If he lands Varane and pairs him with Zouma, Mourinho would ensure Chelsea boast an uncompromising foundation at the heart of a defence that should stay stingy for the next decade.
That might make a move for Varane more necessary than splashing the cash to bring Bale back to England's top flight.
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