Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is reportedly 'desperate' to prevent Reece James from joining Manchester City or Real Madrid. The England international has two-and-a-half years left on his current deal at Stamford Bridge and is keen to extend his stay at the club.
A report by the Daily Mail suggests that the new Chelsea owner wants to extend James' contract as a matter of urgency.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is said to be a keen admirer of Reece James. Real Madrid are also said to be monitoring the ongoings at Stamford Bridge.
The 22-year-old came through the Chelsea academy and made his first-team debut in 2018.
He underwent a one-year loan spell at Wigan Athletic in the 2018-19 season and made 46 appearances in all competitions for the Latics. He scored three goals and provided three assists at the DW Stadium before returning to Stamford Bridge to become a mainstay for the Blues.
James has made 123 appearances in all competitions for the west London outfit, scoring nine goals and providing 18 assists in all competitions. He is a firm fan favorite at Stamford Bridge and is also established on the international scene, having won 13 caps for England.
Many have tipped the right-back to become one of the all-time greats at Chelsea and the first step towards achieving this would be by extending his contract with the club.
Chelsea's defensive depletion makes Reece James extension a priority
Thomas Tuchel has already lost two key defenders. Antonio Rudiger has joined Real Madrid on a free transfer and Andreas Christensen is set to leave once his contract expires at the end of this month.
Marcos Alonso and captain Cesar Azpilicueta's futures are also in doubt. Both men have been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge, with Barcelona touted as the likely destination (according to Football London).
This could see Thomas Tuchel severely understaffed in defense and the club have prioritized signing defenders this summer. The likes of Jules Kounde, Kalidou Koulibaly and Milan Skriniar have all been linked with the club (as per talkSPORT).
The club will also be keen to keep the defenders currently in the squad and Reece James is one of the priority names on the list.
James is likely to hold down the right-back spot at Stamford Bridge for the next decade and tying him down to a new deal could help fend off interest in his services.
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EminenceBASIT
0
Jorge Mendes has a lot of players to his name fgs. He might be negotiating their transfer not Ronaldo. let's this Man have peace of mind and rubbish all this speculation
Wucbdlrtz
2
to me I like all chealsea player
Adepsalm
1
This man seems to b clueless on way forward since his takeover, only Man U can rival us in rumor challenge in this transfer window
Biwdorst
0
if you can
Sahla_HDP
0
who said city even wanted james
Pep Guardiola.
Nubbcopruz
0
arsenal we can take him
Meabcipru
0
who said city even wanted james
Heendrix
0
Do it and stop talking. Let your actions and money do the talking. Stop telling us stories. We are not interested in stories, Todd Boehly.
😂
faith1984
4
we are yet to sign a player this transfer window. something we aren't used to under Abrahimovic.
Noble1
1
Do it and stop talking. Let your actions and money do the talking. Stop telling us stories. We are not interested in stories, Todd Boehly.
Baubelmsty
1
Cool That's k
Pauabdeisz
2
pls give him 5yrs
StayCul
4
He is not for sale !!!
mightysunday
2
Chelsea won't even sell him to any club,no matter the amount
Brazil4Everr
0
If he goes to Manchester City, he will be the perfect replacement for Kyle Walker
Is there any good player you're not trying to sign? At this rate, even your C team will be able to enter PL top 4 all by itself. And then you complain when other teams sue you to FFP.
Qiutjagz
0
Carvajal's long term replacement,,here we go... 🔥🔥🔥
Ozbert
0
If city Even has 1% chance to Get him we should take it, Sterling+cash
in your dreams
lazdlmpuyz
0
mr Todd!please!! keep him, they will let your name to be known at the bridge..
Sam_K
2
Why would he be desperate?? You can see James is more than a Chelsea player, he is a die hard blue's fan too💙 As long as you give him what he deserves, I don't think he would want to leave anytime soon.
vudklnry
0
dont worry bohely. james will always men in blue. he is our boy from our academy. his dream is to become captain and a chelsea legend. his father said in an interview. so dont worey
mancsupporter
0
If city Even has 1% chance to Get him we should take it, Sterling+cash
ArmaniK
1
If he goes to Manchester City, he will be the perfect replacement for Kyle Walker