Real Madrid are reportedly planning to make a cut-price bid for Chelsea defender Reece James.
For almost a decade, Dani Carvajal has been the main option for Real at right-back, making a total of 365 appearances for Los Blancos in all competitions.
Due to the Spain international's longevity, Real have not necessarily required a like-for-like option as backup, with Lucas Vazquez deputising there in recent campaigns.
However, with Carvajal having turned 31 years of age in January, there is more urgency regarding an eventual replacement for the long-serving full-back.
With a contract until 2025, Real do not necessarily have to be in a rush, yet it appears that club officials are taking particular interest in developments at Chelsea.
© Reuters
According to Marca, James has been identified as the priority future alternative for Carvajal.
The England international has only recently extended his contract at Chelsea until 2028, leaving the Blues in a strong position with regards to his future.
James also has a strong affinity to the West Londoners and is currently committed to the new project under a consortium led by Todd Boehly.
Nevertheless, the report claims that Real will look to take advantage of Chelsea's increasing need to balance the books during the upcoming transfer window.
© Reuters
The Premier League giants are unlikely to earn European football for 2023-24, currently sitting 11th in the Premier League table and trailing Real 2-0 on aggregate in their Champions League quarter-final.
Furthermore, Chelsea have spent in excess of £600m across two transfer windows, and recently announced £121m losses for the period preceding that spending spree.
Sales are inevitable once the season has reached a conclusion, and it is suggested that Real intend to try to tempt Chelsea into selling James for €50m (£44.7m).
Although a bid of that size is likely to be rejected, selling an academy graduate would go down as pure profit in the books, something Chelsea are already considering with the likes of Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount.
Darren Plant
