Premier League Crystal Palace look set to miss out on Chelsea’s Reece James.
Crystal Palace have made a £25 million bid for Reece James but they are still no closer to signing the Chelsea defender, according to the Independent.
With just days to go until the transfer window slams shut, Palace are running out of time to sign a replacement for their homegrown right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Though this is not for a lack of trying.
England U20 star James is one of the most promising young defenders in Britain and it’s a real testament to his potential that Crystal Palace are willing to pay £25 million for a player who only turned 19 in December.
Chelsea have made it clear that James won’t be going anywhere, however, after he starred on loan at Wigan Athletic last season. Palace have also made an offer to sign the teenager on an 18-month loan deal but this has also been snubbed.
Yet Roy Hodgson’s Eagles are not the only club left frustrated in their pursuit of a technically gifted and explosive young full-back.
The Independent reports that Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Brighton were also interested with James.
With Frank Lampard in the dugout and a FIFA transfer ban hanging over their heads, this could be the season where Chelsea’s much-vaunted academy starlets get their chance.
Expect James to play regular Premier League football next season alongside Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount.
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