Reports in Spain suggest that Real Madrid has set their sights on Chelsea defender Reece James. The 23-year-old has become a key player for Chelsea after progressing through the club’s youth academy, making 141 appearances for the club and registering 11 goals and 20 assists. James won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2020-21 and is now wanted by Real Madrid, who highly rate the player.
Real Madrid staff is thought to be big fans of James, and he has moved to the top of their wishlist for a new right-back. However, Chelsea needs to sell players to comply with Financial Fair Play rules, and they would be able to make a big profit on James due to his status as an academy graduate. But Real Madrid is aware that signing James won’t be easy, with the defender under contract until 2028 and Chelsea keen to keep hold of him.
Despite Chelsea’s struggles this season, James seems to be enjoying life under Graham Potter, with the club currently sitting in 10th place in the Premier League. Speaking last month, he predicted that the Blues would become one of the best teams in the world. “I don’t think there’s a trophy we can’t win,” James told Sky Sports. “When that happens, I don’t know, but with the team we’re building and what the club is turning into… With all the young players, once we have played together for a longer period of time, I think we’re going to be one of the best teams in the world.”
Chelsea has spent over £600m since the summer and needs to sell players to comply with Financial Fair Play rules. However, they have set an asking price for Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester United target Mason Mount. The midfielder has been a key player for Chelsea this season, making 36 appearances and scoring six goals. Chelsea has set an asking price of £80m for Mount, who is under contract until 2024.
Meanwhile, Manchester United has made a decision over Mason Greenwood’s return to training. The 20-year-old has been out of action since early December due to a muscle injury. However, he has now returned to training and could be in contention for United’s next game against Aston Villa. United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said that Greenwood is “looking good” and that he will be monitored over the next few days.
Finally, Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has been linked with a swift return to Premier League management. The former Arsenal midfielder was sacked by Crystal Palace earlier this month after a poor run of results. However, he is now being linked with the vacant Newcastle United job. Newcastle is currently without a manager after Steve Bruce was sacked earlier this month. Vieira is reportedly interested in the job and could be a good fit for the club.