Raphael Varane and Gareth Bale are two top class players, there’s no doubting that. The central defender is among the best young players in his position on the planet, while the Welshman is currently the most expensive player in the history of the beautiful game after being sold for £86m by Spurs in 2013.

£150m for the pair is being mooted as Chelsea reportedly step up their chase for the Real Madrid double act, with Jose Mourinho keen to kick on and make next season even more successful, even though a League Cup and Premier League double looks likely to be the outcome of this term.

However, such cash could be used to strengthen the Chelsea squad significantly across the board while still drafting in world class players… and here are FIVE possible signings the Londoners could get for 150m of Roman Abramovich’s pounds!

Paul Pogba (£70m)

Pogba1

Now this would be a signing! Paul Pogba is currently, arguably, the best all-round young central midfielder in European football, with his pure power, box-to-box nature and technical ability all tip-top. Chelsea are reportedly interested in a £70m deal for the Frenchman, who really does look like Mourinho player in every sense. Imagine a trio of Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas running the middle of the pitch? There are not many sides who could compete with that!

Douglas Costa (£18m)

Costa

An £18m target, it could get confusing at Chelsea with two D. Costas at Stamford Bridge! Alas, The Bleus seem to be interested in the Brazilian playmaker, who may well opt to leave the turbulent area of the world that is Ukraine at the end of the season. Tricky, nimble, good on the ball and adept at feeding neat passes through on the edge of the area, Douglas could perhaps offer more guile that Willian – whom he used to play alongside at Shakhtar Donetsk – and is keen to make the move.

Mauro Icardi (£22m)

Celtic v Inter Milan - UEFA Europa League Second Round First Leg

15 Serie A goals this season have seen Mauro Icardi emerge as one of European football’s most sought after strikers, alerting a host of clubs… including Chelsea. The Blues are believed to be watching the pacey hit-man closely, and with Inter Milan having previously demanded £22m for him, he could be attainable. Beyond Diego Costa, the Londoners are short of striking options, with Loic Remy having failed to truly shine, while Didier Drogba is not getting any younger. Icardi can also function effectively from a wide role.

Marquinhos (£30m)

Chelsea v Paris St Germain - UEFA Champions League Second Round Second Leg

While Raphael Varane appears to be a player Chelsea want, Marquinhos is also up there. The Brazilian starred for his PSG side as the knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League, and there have been subsequent links with a move for his signature. A limited role at the Parc des Pinces is believed to have left the 20-year-old frustrated, which could ease a move away from Paris for him. Quick, technically very good and solid defensively, Marquinhos could slot in alongside Kurt Zouma to form the bedrock of an impressive Chelsea team in years to come.

Brad Friedel (Free)

Friedel

You what? Yep, Brad Friedel could be a wise addition for Chelsea. Petr Cech looks likely to move on at the end of the season in search of regular football, and a back-up for Thibaut Courtois will be needed. The veteran American – who will be a 44-year-old free agent when his Spurs deal expires at the end of the season – is still an able stand-in, and has emerged as a somewhat shock target for Chelsea. The ex-Liverpool man will be happy to play a back-up role, offers experience and could move into a coaching role. Not a bad move, then.