Petr Cech linked with part-exchange move involving Raphael Varane

Petr Cech is reportedly part of an offer for Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane is one of the best, if not the best, young central defender in the world. This morning he's been linked with a potential move to Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United have agreed to meet Fiorentina's 36million asking price for Juan Cuadrado, according to the Daily Express.

The Red Devils have been tracking the Colombia international since the conclusion of the World Cup and reports had suggested an initial offer of just over 30million had been offered to the Serie A outfit.

A deal now looks likely to be wrapped up by Manchester United as new boss Louis van Gaal adds the versatile 26-year-old to his ranks after meeting Fiorentina's demands.

The Express are also reporting that Chelsea are set to use goalkeeper Petr Cech as a makeweight in a move for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

The France international enjoyed a good campaign at the World Cup in Brazil and Blues boss Jose Mourinho is said to be keen on being reunited with the defender he worked with in the Spanish capital.

The move would also suggest that Thibaut Courtois is the new number one for Chelsea this season after the Belgian returned from his loan spell with Atletico Madrid.

Meanwhile, Manchester City are looking to offload midfielder Javi Garcia, according to the Daily Mirror, with Zenit St Petersburg keen on the Spaniard.

The Russian club are said to be preparing a 12.5million bid for Garcia as City aim to get back most of the 16million they paid for the Spain international in 2012.

The Mirror also claim newly promoted Leicester City have made a lucrative contract offer to Esteban Cambiasso.

The midfielder is currently a free agent after leaving Inter Milan at the end of last season and the Foxes have offered the Argentine a two-year deal worth around 5million.

Finally, Sky Sports are reporting that Aston Villa are close to agreeing a fee for Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho.

The Frenchman spent last season on loan at Liverpool where he featured 19 times in all competitions for Brendan Rodgers' side.

Villa are desperate to bring in some defensive reinforcements due to the interest in Dutchman Ron Vlaar who is being tipped to leave the club before the end of the transfer window after a fantastic World Cup for Holland.

If Cissokho was to join Paul Lambert's side he would become their fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of former England international Joe Cole, Swiss defender Phillipe Senderos and one-time Manchester United midfielder Kieran Richardson.