Leicester have emerged as contenders to Manchester United for the signature of young Chelsea defender Reece James, according to The Sun.
The full-back, who can also play in midfield, enjoyed a stunning season on loan to Wigan in the Championship, making 43 appearances as they ended in 18th place.
James has been with Chelsea since he was six years old and his progress has been rewarded with a call-up to the England Under-20 squad for this summer's Toulon Tournament.
While Chelsea rate him highly and have handed him a new deal until 2022, they could be tempted to let him go for a fee of around £15million.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes James could play an important role in the rebuilding project he is undertaking at Old Trafford.
The defender is one of a number of young prospects targeted by Solskjaer, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Swansea winger Daniel James.
Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to bring in cover for right-back Ricardo Pereira, who impressed during his maiden Premier League campaign.
Chelsea may be reluctant to part with a highly-rated prospect due to their impending transfer ban, but James could be tempted to force a move in search of regular first-team minutes.
Nesaiknruy_Legend
77
Nice to see the media are doing their job in attemtping to destabilise Chelsea as usual. What is it now the 50th story of players wanting to leave us that turns out to be untrue and only good for making money through fake news....If we went by the media perceptions. Sarri would be at Juve, Hazard at Madrid 3 years ago, Kante at PSG last year, Luiz and Pedro in China, Odoi in Munich, Loftus at Palace, Batshuayi at Dortmund, Moses in Italy, Alonso at Madrid, Kepa at Madrid, Emerson at Juve etc. Dont listen to these ridiculous news stories. James will be the STARTING right back midway next season at Chelsea. These stories as well as the ones about Tammy and our other stars leaving should be ignored. Chelsea is now in the UCL and has a stable place in pot 1, theres no reason for anyone to leave now that theyll be needed more than ever in all the competitions we will play in, rotation is key.... Reece is a Chelsea boy, he will stay. Ignore all these nonsense headlines.
Nesaiknruy_Legend
45
United are so stupid tbh if this is true somehow, they have the chance to go after Wan Bissaka who's more obtainable but are instead targeting players at clubs who are happy where they are and are already at a stable big club playing UCL football....who actually is in charge of transfer policies at United? like seriously it cant be a human
Johnnytut
28
Shameful journalism. James Ayles do you even watch football? Chelsea gave him a contract extension last year then loaned him out to get experience. He was one of the best players in the Championship last season and has been training with Chelsea the past month with the view to being integrated into the first team next season. There is absolutely zero chance Chelsea will sell him as everyone at the club views him as the long term successor to Azpilicueta. Oh and by the way, James loves Chelsea and has reiterated his desire to be a Chelsea legend on multiple occasions. Just lazy and embarrassing journalism here.