Real Madrid plot Reece James transfer after Chelsea and England star impresses both Bernabeu scouts and Karim Benzema
REAL MADRID are plotting a sensational swoop for Chelsea star Reece James this summer, according to reports.
The Blues right-back, 22, has been in superb form this season – excelling in attack as well as defensively.
James is quickly establishing himself as England's No1 man in that position despite Gareth Southgate's plethora of options.
And Real Madrid are hoping to lure him away from Old Trafford in the summer, according to The Mirror.
Los Blancos recently got a close look at James during their Champions League quarter-final tie against Chelsea.
James was in scintillating form as the Blues came within touching distance of a stunning second-leg comeback at the Bernabeu.
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The defender even earned the respect of superstar striker Karim Benzema.
The France veteran – the leading contender for the 2022 Ballon d'Or – even chased after James to swap shirts after the Blues' 3-2 win last week.
Real Madrid are believed to have scouted the Three Lions star at least NINE TIMES this season alone.
And while the LaLiga champions-elect will need to sell a host of first-team fringe players before they can buy, it's claimed they are confident of securing funds for a raid on Chelsea.
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Carlo Ancelotti is keen to reshape his Real Madrid squad over the summer in a desperate bid to get back to the top of the European game.
His side are already near-certainties to win the league but have failed to clinch the Champions League since beating Liverpool in 2018.
Los Blancos are chasing Kylian Mbappe as their No1 priority this summer, with Erling Haaland also on their radar.
Real chiefs are hoping Haaland will stay at Borussia Dortmund for another season to allow them to go all in on Mbappe before stealing the Norwegian away in a £64million deal in 2023.
But the club will first have to sell to raise funds.
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Gareth Bale will leave the club in the summer – and potentially retire – opening up £650,000 a week in ages.
The likes of Eden Hazard and Isco are also likely to be sold as part of the Ancelotti revolution.
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