Reece James 'makes decision on Chelsea future amid Real Madrid links'

James has come through the academy system at Stamford Bridge to become a highly-respected member of the squad and club captain.

A total of 11 goals and 21 assists have been contributed from 156 appearances in all competitions, most notably making 10 outings during Chelsea's Champions League winning campaign in 2020-21.

However, the 24-year-old has been constantly hampered by injuries, his most recent hamstring issue resulting in surgery at the back end of 2023.

As a result, the right-back has not featured since, and it remains a possibility that he will not return to action before the end of the season.

Real Madrid remain as long-term admirers

Real Madrid have been linked with an approach for the England international on more than one occasion in the past, and there has become a greater need to strengthen in that area of the defence.

Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez are both 32 years of age, and although each player has contributed sufficiently during this campaign, at least one younger alternative is required.

A recent report suggested that Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital were ready to listen to offers for James as they continue to consider ways to pass the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations.

Although Chelsea would allegedly demand in the region of £60m for one of their most prized assets, Los Blancos are highly unlikely to meet such demands.

That would theoretically Chelsea in a predicament of how to handle any interest in the summer, potentially needing an open mind over reaching a compromise over a fee.

James 'makes decision on future'

According to HITC, James has no interest in leaving Chelsea this summer, for Real or any other club.

The report suggests that his solitary focus is on returning to full fitness to give himself a chance of making England's Euro 2024 squad.

Furthermore, it is indicated that Chelsea are not necessarily looking to cash in on James, valuing him as a key player.

That is despite James being limited to just eight appearances in the Premier League this season and the West Londoners having a ready-made alternative in Malo Gusto.

James is also on a contract until 2028, those terms being penned soon after Boehly and Clearlake arrived at the club in 2022.