Championship manager sounds warning to Chelsea over defensive target: "It would take a lot of money"
According to Spanish outlet Marca (h/t Daily Mail), European champions Real Madrid are ready to make their move for Reece James if Chelsea are forced to balance their books.
After a crazy last two transfer windows where the Blues signed 15 players, they might have no choice but offload a significant number of them in the coming summer.
A few weeks ago, Daily Mail reported that up to eleven players could be offloaded by Chelsea. With the permanent manager not appointed yet, the situation is a bit of a hara-kiri.
Coming back to James, the England international committed his future with the Blues by signing a new six-year contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2028.
However, the report says that he could be available for as low as £44m if Chelsea are forced to sell some of their key players. This revelation has come a day after Madrid beat Chelsea 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie.
We understand why Los Blancos are interested in James. Dani Carvajal is 31 now and fullbacks do not go on till 35/36 at the highest level due to a higher level of workload compared to players of other positions.
Although staying at Chelsea might be a better prospect for James, turning down a club like Madrid takes some guts. We know he is a fantastic player who would do well there if a move is made.
For that reason, the Blues must do everything they can to make sure the 23-year-old does not leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
If they are forced to sell players, which is natural, they can offload other fringe players who have not played much football this season.
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