Chelsea have not yet made an approach to full-back Reece James over signing a new deal at Stamford Bridge, according to a report.
The 22-year-old has emerged as an important component of Thomas Tuchel's side in West London in recent years, which includes a tally of five goals and nine assists in 26 Premier League appearances during the 2021-22 campaign.
Despite James's form, largely in a right wing-back role, Chelsea have been reportedly monitoring the situation of Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi ahead of a potential move this summer.
However, Chelsea remain keen on keeping James at the club, but do not feel the need to offer the England international a new deal as things stand due to the three years he still has to run on his current contract, according to the Daily Mail.
That deal was signed two and a half years ago, shortly after James had made his breakthrough in the first team at Stamford Bridge under Frank Lampard, following his return from a loan spell with Wigan Athletic.
The report suggests that his current deal is worth around £70,000 a week, and that the lack of a new deal to reward his form for both club and country could well interest Manchester City and Real Madrid, who are reported to be long-term admirers of James.
After working his way through the Chelsea academy since the age of six, James has gone to make 123 appearances for the first team across all competitions, whilst earning 11 caps for his country during that time.
Matthew Tranter
