Rumours: Bale and Varane for Chelsea?

Gareth Bale to Chelsea? Really, really...?

Talk about the big names in the newspaper speculation pages today. Gareth Bale is being linked with a move to Chelsea because his manager prefers Isco. The mind boggles. Alex Johnson rounds it all up.

Chelsea are being linked with a sensational swoop for Real Madrid forward and Manchester United target Gareth Bale.

Reports continue to suggest Bale is on the verge of a return to the Premier League with Old Trafford previously touted as his most likely destination.

The Daily Express claim Chelsea are now among the favourites for his signature as Blues boss Jose Mourinho is exploring the option of signing Bale for a fee in the region of 90million.

The newspaper has claimed in the past that Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is growing frustrated at the Welshman's work-rate when his side are not in possession and would prefer to use Isco.

However, Bale's agent has played down the speculation and described rumours of a swap deal with a Manchester United player as "absolute rubbish".

Chelsea and United are also believed to be interested in a January move for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

The 21-year-old France international will look for a move away from the Bernabeu in January, according to the Express, after falling out of favour under Ancelotti.

The report claims Varane will command a fee of 19million and the news has put Chelsea and United on high alert, with Mourinho keen to link up with the player he signed for Madrid in 2011 while Louis van Gaal is desperate for a new central defender.

If United do not sign Varane they may instead turn to Atletico Madrid defender Miranda or Aston Villa's Ron Vlaar.

The Reds will attempt to prize Miranda away from the Spanish champions in January with a 20million bid, the Daily Star claims, while the agent of long-time United target Vlaar says the Dutch defender wants "a big move".

The Sun believes Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino is planning another swoop on his old club Southampton.

The Argentine will reportedly make a fresh 35million bid for Saints duo Morgan Schneiderlin and Jay Rodriguez in January, despite being told the players were not for sale in the summer.

Arsenal will look to further strengthen their attacking options in January and are in talks to sign Roma forward Mattia Destro, according to the Daily Star.

The 23-year-old was linked with the Gunners over the summer and raised doubts over his future when recently admitting he will evaluate matters at the end of the season.

Elsewhere, Liverpool are once again being linked with a 30million bid for Porto striker Jackson Martinez, Inter Milan are keen on a loan deal for Arsenal forward Joel Campbell, and Valencia insist on-loan frontman Alvaro Negredo will not return to Manchester City next summer.