Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia has already told Reece James that he could stay in west London for many years to come despite transfer links with Real Madrid. It has been suggested that the Spanish giants are eyeing a move for the academy prospect.
Defensa Central have reported that Los Blancos are prioritising a swoop for his services as they aim to bolster the right-side of their defence. Dani Carvajal is currently edging towards the twilight of his career, whilst Lucas Vazquez has never been perceived as an orthodox right-sided defender.
A move for James then would certainly make sense, with the Englishman having caught the eye at Stamford Bridge. However, Blues director Marina Granovskaia has already dropped a considerable hint over his immediate and long-term future.
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Speaking after the defender had penned a new deal in 2020, she said: “Reece started his football education with us at the age of six and his performances on loan at Wigan last season [2018/19] paved the way for a strong beginning to his career in the Chelsea team.
“We are very pleased he now has the perfect opportunity to build on that and become a major player for us for many years to come.”
Despite ongoing injury issues this season, James has once again been a key part of the side under current boss Thomas Tuchel. He has made 30 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing seven assists in the process.
The 22-year-old also played the full 210 minutes of Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid this season, as the reigning champions suffered a heart-breaking exit at the Santiago Bernabeu. He was called on to play a variety of roles including being handed a more attacking remit in the first-leg, before then being deployed in the heart of a three-man defence in Spain.
James’ current contract is set to run until the summer of 2025, whilst he is currently valued at a price of £49.5m by transfermarkt.