Real Madrid lures Chelsea prop James alongside Canelo and hopes for lower price

Real Madrid will be looking for a central defender in the summer, with Joao Cancelo of Bayern Munich among the favourites. But he is not the only one, the Spanish capital’s club has renewed interest in Chelsea midfielder Reece James. However, he wants to lower his price tag.

Cancelo is on loan at Bayern Munich from Manchester City, but he is finding his way into the line-up more difficult than widely expected. If Bayern do not buy him permanently, he will return to the Citizens.

But manager Pep Guardiola is not interested in him there, so the Portuguese full-back may well be up for grabs in the summer. Real Madrid want to take advantage of this, with €60 million ready to go.

At Madrid, Cancelo would probably replace Ferland Mendy on the left edge of defence, but another highly rated back could come in on the right. Indeed, the Spanish giant has renewed his interest in Chelsea’s Reece James, who he wanted the previous season but was too expensive for the club.

James is a stable member of Chelsea’s starting lineup, plays for the England national team and is considered one of the best at his position in the world. It is therefore logical that he is being lured by Real Madrid, who are considering who could replace the ageing Daniel Carvajal.

However, the White Ballet have a condition, they are not going to invest more than 50 million euros. The Blues are unlikely to agree to this, so the Spanish outfit may yet try to lower James’ price with possible player compensation.

According to Transfermarkt, the London native is currently worth €70 million and his contract at Stamford Brifge doesn’t expire until 2028.

Chelsea therefore have absolutely no reason to sell their mainstay below cost. James has scored one goal and assisted another in 15 Premier League games this season.

Source: Goal, Transfermarkt