CHELSEA RISK LOSING ‘REPLACEABLE’ REECE JAMES AFTER GIANTS PUT RIGHT-BACK ‘TOP OF THEIR SHORTLIST’

Real Madrid are interested in signing Chelsea defender Reece James, who is ‘very much liked’ by the European champions, according to reports in Spain.

James has struggled to stay fit over the last two seasons but has been one of the Blues’ most consistent performers when available.

He has had his fair share of injuries this season and recently missed England’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine.

Graham Potter will hope the young right-back is fit enough to play against Aston Villa this weekend after another setback.

Some are worried about James’ availability, with former Liverpool forward Stan Collymore recently stating that he could be replaced in the near future if his injury record doesn’t improve.

“I’m sure Todd Boehly would go out and look for another right back to replace him if he can’t get back to being fully fit and staying there over the next six to 12 months,” Collymore said.

James remains highly thought of at Stamford Bridge and is probably one of the last names you would expect to see available for transfer.

Saying that, you can never underestimate the lure of Real Madrid or FC Barcelona.

And according to Spanish outlet AS, Madrid are ‘interested’ in signing the England international.

Los Blancos are on the lookout for a new right-back that can compete with Dani Carvajal. It is interesting that the report says ‘compete’ and not ‘replace’.

The Spanish giants have ‘drawn up a list of possible reinforcements’, with James being ‘the first name on the list and the favourite of the Madrid staff’.

Other names on the list are Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo and former Tottenham player Juan Foyth.

Despite the club’s desire to sign a new right-back, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham is their ‘priority’.

It is worth mentioning that James signed a new six-year Chelsea contract last September.

The report discusses Chelsea’s spending under Todd Boehly and what that could mean for James.

The Blues will need to sell this summer in order to balance the books. They spent over £500million in the previous two transfer windows combined.

James may be one of the club’s most valuable assets, but you would expect him to be regarded as untouchable.

Mason Mount gets a mention in the report given his uncertain future. The England midfielder is out of contract in 2024 and is being linked with Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

Real Madrid will be able to get a closer look at James next month when the European champions take on Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

READ MORE: Man Utd and Chelsea on list of shortest managerial sacking statements ever

2023-03-30T06:40:20Z dg43tfdfdgfd