Chelsea 'prioritising new contract for Reece James'

Chelsea are reportedly desperate to sign Reece James to a new contract amid suggestions that Real Madrid are keen to bring the right-back to Bernabeu in the summer of 2023.

The 22-year-old has been a vital player for the Blues during the 2021-22 campaign, making 33 appearances in all competitions, contributing six goals and seven assists in the process.

James only signed a contract extension with the capital giants in January 2020, with his current agreement at Stamford Bridge set to run until June 2025.

However, according to 90min, Chelsea are prioritising a new deal for the England international, as they fear that he could be tempted by a move elsewhere.

The Blues are currently unable to offer James a new contract due to their off-the-field issues, but they will reportedly begin discussions once a new owner is in place.

© Reuters

The Englishman has played as both a right-back and right-sided wing-back this season and has particularly impressed in the Premier League, providing five goals and six assists in 21 appearances.

An academy product at Stamford Bridge, James enjoyed a strong loan spell at Wigan Athletic during the 2018-19 campaign before returning to the Blues.

The defender has been a key player for the capital outfit over the last three campaigns, while he is in line to travel with the England squad for the 2022 World Cup later this year.

According to Goal, Real Madrid are huge admirers of James and are keen to explore the possibility of bringing him to Bernabeu ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

Los Blancos have allegedly already been in touch with Chelsea to register their interest in the defender, who lined up against Carlo Ancelotti's side in the quarter-finals of this season's Champions League.

© Reuters

Chelsea will lose both Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger on free transfers this summer, while there remains speculation surrounding the future of Cesar Azpilicueta.

The Blues are not under any immediate pressure to begin discussions with James due to the length of time left on his contract, but he could potentially become one of the highest earners at Stamford Bridge with a new deal.

The Englishman has started 17 Premier League matches this season, in addition to five Champions League fixtures, but he has had injury problems in recent weeks, spending time on the sidelines with a hamstring problem before a muscular issue kept him out in the middle of March.

Dani Carvajal is currently Real Madrid's first-choice right-back, but the Spain international will turn 31 early next year, and the La Liga giants are thought to be looking to the future in that area of the field.

This term, Carvajal, who was an unused substitute against Espanyol in the league on Saturday, has contributed one goal and four assists in 32 appearances, but he has also had injury issues in 2021-22.