Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing up a potential swoop for Chelsea full back Reece James as they look to replace Dani Carvajal.
Carvajal has spent the past decade at the Bernabeu, winning the Champions League on five occasions, but the Spanish defender is due to turn 32 in January.
The Spanish giants are looking for a long-term option to take over from Carvajal, and view Blues captain James as the ‘perfect candidate’, according to TeamTalk.
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is believed to be a big admirer of James, who came through Chelsea’s academy before becoming a first-team regular.
James was handed the captain’s armband at Stamford Bridge in the summer by Mauricio Pochettino and only signed a new deal until 2028 last year.
Real Madrid are reportedly showing interest in signing Chelsea captain Reece James
Real Madrid want to bring in a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal (pictured)
James could follow in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham, who has made a flying start in Madrid
However, Madrid could look to test Chelsea’s resolve after doing business with the English club in the summer when they signed goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan.
James has struggled with injuries in recent years, missing the World Cup last season, while he only made his first start in three months earlier this week in a 2-0 Carabao Cup win against Blackburn Rovers.
He is widely considered one of the finest right backs in European football when fit, though, and would be a major loss for Chelsea if he did leave the club.
Should Madrid follow up on their interest and get a deal over the line, they would hope that he can follow in the footsteps of his England team-mate Jude Bellingham.
The 20-year-old joined Madrid from Borussia Dortmund for £113million in the summer and has gone on to net 13 goals in as many games for Los Blancos.
He has been an instant hit in the Spanish capital, and hit new heights last week when he scored a brace as Madrid came from behind to beat fierce rivals Barcelona 2-1.
Bellingham is leading Madrid’s next generation of stars, with the club also having midfielders Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde on their books, while Vinicius Jr penned a new long-term deal earlier this week.
James is still only 23, and would be another exciting acquisition for Madrid if they opt to make their move and can push through a deal.
Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly a big admirer of James who has a contract at Chelsea until 2028
