Chelsea should ‘definitely’ sign Varane on a free transfer, says ex-Blues star

FORMER Chelsea star Glen Johnson has told the Blues should sign Manchester United flop Raphael Varane.

The United defender's contract is up at the end of the season and appears set to leave as a free agent in the summer.

Arriving from Real Madrid in 2021, as a multiple Champions League winner, Varane has endured an underwhelming three seasons at Old Trafford.

Cursed by injuries, the Frenchman has made 93 appearances for United scoring just two goals.

But, despite Varane's underwhelming performances in Manchester, former Chelsea star Johnson still thinks his old team should move for him in the summer.

Asked about a potential deal, he told Betfred: "Yes, definitely. Good players like that don’t come around often and they certainly come around less often on a free transfer.

"I know he’s not the Varane he was three or four years ago but he’s still a bloody good player.

"Yes, he’s had his injury problems but that’s what outweighs the transfer fee.

"If you’re buying him on a free and he’s only playing 50% of the games, then that’s still a good deal to do.”

While Varane did not feature in Erik ten Hag's teamsheet in United's last two games the defender's experience in top-flight football will prove valuable to Mauricio Pochettino's side.

Veteran centre-back Thiago Silva is set to depart at the end of the season as the 39-year-old 's contract.

Meaning Chelsea will be in the hunt to find a replacement for the Brazillian.

Johnson continued: "As we saw with Thiago Silva, those sort of players who have done everything, played for top teams and clubs, they get the attention of the dressing room.

"They’re the big names that the younger players want to look up to and obviously they’re great to have around.”