Real Madrid ready to pounce if Chelsea are forced to sell star defender

Chelsea will be hoping to avoid failing to score for a fifth consecutive match when they face Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday. 

Last time out, The Blues were beaten 2-0 by European champions Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie in the Spanish capital.

Caretaker boss Frank Lampard has endured a tough start to his second spell in charge of the club, with his side having been beaten 1-0 by struggling Wolves during his first match in charge last week.

Now, it appears that things could be about to get even worse for The Blues.

According to The Mail, Real Madrid are ready to make an offer for full-back Reece James if Chelsea are forced to sell him this summer.

The England international has established himself as one of the best in Europe in his position, but Real are said to be hopeful of luring the player away from Stamford Bridge.

James could be the subject of an offer from Real Madrid this summer

Chelsea have spent more than £500 million on new signings in the past 12 months and will undoubtedly have to sell a number of players during the upcoming summer transfer window in order to balance their books and adhere to Financial Fair Play restrictions.

The Spanish side are therefore hopeful that James may be one of the players put up for sale, with Chelsea having signed Malo Gusto from French side Lyon in January, with the right-back set to be part of the Chelsea squad next term.

It is claimed by Spanish outlet Marca that the La Liga champions believe James could be available for just £44 million if Chelsea do decide to sell the player.

Since making his debut for Chelsea in September 2019, James has made more than 140 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring 11 goals and providing 20 assists across all competitions.

The defender also signed a new long-term contract with Chelsea in September last year, keeping him at the club until 2028.