As per the Mirror, LaLiga table-topper Real Madrid are eyeing Chelsea right-back Reece James after he put in a masterful performance at the Santiago Bernabeu in a 3-2 win for the Blues.
The 22-year-old has become a stalwart under Thomas Tuchel after making his breakthrough in the first team under his predecessor Frank Lampard and is considered among the best in the country in his position.
James impressed when Chelsea visited the Bernabeu in last week’s Champions League quarterfinal clash and came away with a 3-2 win; the youngster kept the dangerous Vinicius Jr in check for the majority of the match, but for a moment in the first-half of extra time when the Brazilian’s cross found the head of Karim Benzema, who won the tie for Los Blancos, 5-4.
Both Benzema and Vinicius were quick to recognize James’s efforts though, and, as per the reports, his standout performance was also noticed by the Real Madrid hierarchy and manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Meanwhile, as per Sport.es, Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to leave the club this summer and is hopeful that he is allowed to join another team – most likely FC Barcelona – on a free transfer.
Azpilicueta’s contract was due to expire at the end of this season, but a clause in the paperwork was triggered after the Spaniard hit a predetermined number of appearances and his deal was automatically extended by another 12 months.
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Barcelona were linked heavily with Azpilicueta in the bygone months. The Spanish giants are expected to return for the veteran right-back at the end of the season, which is when Chelsea could take a decision whether or not to keep him on their books.
The club could let their captain walk away for free despite the recent renewal – similar to how they allowed Olivier Giroud join AC Milan without receiving any monetary compensation in return a year earlier.
