Real Madrid have formulated a plan to sign Chelsea star Reece James in 2024 as Carlo Ancelotti’s side are on the hunt for a new right-back.
There’s no doubt that James is one of the best full-backs in the world when fully fit and Mauricio Pochettino recently handed him the armband at Stamford Bridge.
While the defender’s ability has never been in doubt, his injury record over recent years has caused some concern.
The 23-year-old missed the majority of last season through injury and he has already picked up a knock this year.
Earlier this summer Real Madrid were linked with the Chelsea man, but their interest seemingly cooled over time.
However, a fresh report has claimed that the Spanish club have reignited their interest in James despite his recent injury scare
According to The Mirror, Real Madrid are plotting a move to sign James in 2024 as they look to replace Dani Carvajal.
James himself is said to be happy at Stamford Bridge, although a move to Real Madrid would turn plenty of player’s heads.
He is under contract with Chelsea until 2028 and so the club are in a strong position to fend off any interest at this stage.
Pochettino confirmed that James will miss the next few weeks as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
“It’s a sad moment because he’s our captain,” said Pochettino. “He was so excited and full of energy to be our captain. We are going to assess him day by day.
For sure he’s going to [come back] stronger than he was. It’s a few weeks.”
The new Chelsea boss has spoken highly of James so far, but he will have been concerned by this fresh injury.
While James looked a threat while going forward against Liverpool, Roy Keane was quick to point the finger at the Chelsea captain for the Luis Diaz goal.
“I mean, James doesn’t sprint back there,” Keane told Sky Sports. “That’s why I’m talking about it, James can actually see him running and he doesn’t track back.
“We’re always talking about systems, but James might say ‘Well I’m a wing-back and that’s not my job’, but you have to sprint back and not let him get through.
“Look, I love James, I think he’s a brilliant player going forward but when you see someone running off the back of you, there’s no excuses. No excuses.
“No, no. He might as well stop and have a cup of tea! Look at the space! James is the captain, he’s supposed to be leading by example. Look at him thinking, ‘Will I? Won’t I?’ Start sprinting back, man.”
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