Real Madrid are ready to make some big defensive moves in the next 12 to 18 months, HITC understands.
The European champions are ready to bring into Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich to bolster their left-back options, whilst they are very much in the market for a central defender with the likes of William Saliba and Cristian Romero on their radar.
However, a new right-back is also something they are considering and they have already been doing their home work on possible options.
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Reece James is on Real Madrid’s radar
HITC can confirm that Real Madrid are huge fans of Reece James and he is someone they are considering as their next right-back but he needs to prove his fitness if he ever hopes to secure a move to the European champions.
HITC understands that James is towards the top of the list for Real when it comes to a new right-back.
Dani Carvajal shows few signs of letting up but Real have been doing their due diligence on potential options to replace him in the long-term.
They are known to be admirers of Sevilla’s Juanlu and Freiburg’s Kiliann Sildillia whilst Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold also has supporters within the Santiago Bernabeu.
One player who the club have appreciated for a number of years is James. Sources have confirmed to HITC that the club ‘love’ James and believe he has all the attributes to be a Real player.
However, James’s injury record means that Real could not even entertain making a move for him at this point.
James is currently out with a thigh injury which has prevented him from playing this season, and he has been dogged with injuries in recent years. The last time he started more than 15 league games was back in 2022.
Chelsea waiting on James return
Indeed, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca – who has confirmed James does remain the club captain, admitted ahead of their clash with Bournemouth that James was not yet close to returning.
“Unfortunately, Reece needs more time,” said the Italian.
The issues over James’s availability also meant that Axel Disasi was pushed into action at Bournemouth as his understudy Malo Gusto was ruled out.
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HITC understands that Chelsea are looking at bringing in another right-back in January, if the worries over James continue.
Still only 24, James does have time on his side but as it stands injury are making a huge dent on his career. He missed the World Cup in 2022 due to injury and again was not able to be considered for last summer’s Euros as he was unable to prove his fitness ahead of the tournament in Germany.
James, like most of the Chelsea squad, has a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge and is tied to them until 2028.
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