Chelsea could reportedly sell Reece James to Real Madrid (Image: Getty)
could inadvertently prevent Liverpool exit by selling to Real Madrid. The Spanish giants are reportedly interested in a cut-price deal for James ahead of the January transfer window.
The captain has suffered a series of hamstring injuries, limiting him to just 14 appearances since the start of the 2023-24 season. Blues boss insists the defender’s latest setback is not serious.
But James has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge. Malo Gusto has excelled at right-back and is reportedly set for a bumper pay rise to reflect his booming status in west London.
According to , could be prepared to sell James for a significantly reduced fee. The side had previously wanted a huge deal to relinquish the 24-year-old, but now know they have a ready-made and long-term replacement in Gusto.
That has reportedly caught the attention of Real, who it is claimed are preparing a bargain £20million offer ahead of the January transfer window. will reportedly make a decision on whether to allow James to depart.
If the England international does leave for the Spanish capital, it could have repercussions for Three Lions team-mate . The star has been strongly linked with Real this year.
Alexander-Arnold’s contract expires at the end of the season and there has been a surprising lack of updates on his future. The 26-year-old insists he is prioritising talks with the Reds but that has not stopped reports of a switch to Spain.
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has been strongly linked with Real Madrid (Image: Getty)
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But a transfer to Real could be scuppered if James goes there first. Otherwise they could face a battle for the right-back position at the Bernabeu, unless Carlo Ancelotti has plans to use Alexander-Arnold in midfield.
Real star Jude Bellingham is close friends with Alexander-Arnold but refused to comment on speculation linking his England colleague with his club. Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash between the teams, the 21-year-old said: “I’ll be playing alongside him next season for England anyway. That will be a guarantee.
“But he’s a player and it would be disrespectful to come to his home today with a big game [on Wednesday] and talk about something that could be misconstrued so it’s important to take that pressure off him. I want him to do really well normally. Just not [on Wednesday].”