Reece James’ father, Nigel, admits he was gobsmacked when he heard of interest in his son, but says the full-back has no plans at all to leave Chelsea.
The 23-year-old has reportedly appeared on Real Madrid’s radar thanks to his performances for the Blues over the last four seasons.
The international broke into the first team in 2019 and has made 147 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals.
He will hope that injury problems are behind him and he can be an important part of ’s squad now the Argentine is in charge at Stamford Bridge, despite the eyebrow-raising interest from the Spanish capital.
Nigel James told of Real’s interest: ‘I was just gobsmacked. I don’t read things anymore, because yeah, until someone rings my , or tells the people I work with what the deal is then you take something seriously but Reece is a top player, so I’m sure most clubs would want to sign him but right now I don’t see anything changing.
‘He is a player and until, if Chelsea wants to sell him, it’s like anything. If a club do not want to work with you anymore and for some reason they want to get rid of you then you go.
‘If they want you … he’s been there since six years of age, his ambition is to wear the armband and captain the side and it broke his heart the season we have had just gone.’
James, like most players at Chelsea, had a disappointing time last season, but his campaign was hampered by knee and hamstring injuries which limited him to just 14 Premier League starts.
The Chelsea academy graduate will expect to be first-choice in the coming campaign if he is fit, but Malo Gusto has been brought in from Lyon to offer competition at right-back after the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta.
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