Former Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson has backed up comments made by ex-teammate William Gallas, urging a Manchester United raid by the Blues in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Gallas, who played for Arsenal and Tottenham post his departure from Stamford Bridge in 2006, put forward argument for his old club to raid United for both Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. Now, Johnson has also identified United centre-back Raphael Varane as a potential recruit.

In an unusual turn of events this season, United decided against triggering the extension in Varane's contract. The French star, who moved to Old Trafford from Real Madrid in 2021, might be packing his bags as a free agent come summer.

While Varane is currently injured, there are whispers of him making a return to his former Madrid home during the summer. Yet, Johnson sees an opportunity for Chelsea as they continue to struggle defensively, reports the Mirror.

Speaking to Betfred, Johnson proposed: "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 40% of the games, then that's still a good deal to do," he added. Despite starting just 16 league games this season due to various setbacks, Johnson believes Varane's wealth of experience remains invaluable.

"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 and they're the big names that the younger players want to look up to and obviously they're great to have around," he continued. "If you have got a chance with Varane on a free transfer and he's only going to play 50% of the games, I still think it's a good deal."

Unlike Varane, Fernandes and Rashford wouldn't come cheap. However, despite Chelsea potentially needing to tighten their belt in the summer, Gallas sees the United duo as fitting additions.

"Both Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes could be good options for Chelsea," the Frenchman told Gambling Zone. "Both are quality players. Bruno could definitely be the kind of midfielder who has the quality to play in the number ten role where Chelsea lack strength.

"Chelsea are a team of young players and Bruno Fernandes has the leadership qualities to get through certain periods. He'd be a good signing if the rumours are true.

Chelsea and United are locked in a fierce contest for a Europa League position, with Mauricio Pochettino's side keeping their European dreams alive following a crucial win against Everton. Should Chelsea triumph in their game in hand, they would not only surpass United based on goal difference but go level on points with Newcastle .

Pochettino has acknowledged the necessity of bolstering his youthful squad with seasoned professionals during the summer transfer window, especially after costly slip-ups have all but dashed their Champions League aspirations. Late equalisers conceded in 2-2 stalemates with relegation battlers Burnley and Sheffield United have left Chelsea in a precarious situation as they approach the season's end.

"We need to bring more young players, we need to bring in some experienced players. But that is all about talking," Pochettino said before the Everton match. "It's about agreeing with the club, analysing and designing the strategy for the next season and to go and fight for big things. That is really important."

You can find this story in   My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.