Chelsea defender Reece James has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for Manchester City.
The right wing-back is regarded as an integral part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad at Stamford Bridge, the academy graduate making a total of 100 appearances in the professional ranks.
However, sanctions placed on the Blues and owner Roman Abramovich have effectively left every player facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.
Daily Mail reported in March that Man City have identify Reece James as a long-term replacement for Kyle Walker and are monitoring the situation as they assess whether to try to take full advantage.
According to the latest information from Simon Johnson for The Athletic UK, Manchester City are very keen on Reece James, with other prominent European clubs thought to be also interested in Blues right defender.
Pep Guardiola’s side may soon be in the market to acquire a new right-back, with City’s Walker turning 32 years of age in May.
However, according to 90min, Chelsea are prioritising a new deal for the England international, as they fear that he could be tempted by a move elsewhere.
Despite his youth, James has already demonstrated that he is a great right wing-back as well as a versatile centre back and midfielder this season.
The England defender, who has six goals and seven assists in 34 appearances this season, is now one of Thomas Tuchel’s first names on the squad sheet.
Following the recent links with the Chelsea defender, Man City fans were asked it they would take Reece James as a direct replacement for when Walker leaves.
Man City fans would you guys take Reece James as a direct replacement for when Walker leaves? pic.twitter.com/uN3cJUsegI
— Reece (@FodenEraa) April 29, 2022
Here are a selection of comments posted by City supporters:
“100% yes. Great player and young enough to spend years in the team”
Credit: @AndyMDurn1
“Absolutely he’s literally the exact same player as Walker with more to offer offensively”
Credit: @MCFC_Finners
“Absolutely,, this guy is a monster.
Guardiola is also a great admirer of him.”
Credit: @BossJohnte
“Without a doubt but no chance they’d sell to us”
Credit: @phil_mclaggan
“He’s the perfect replacement”
Credit: @Richnuni
“Definitely he’s the closest to him in terms of all around attributes”
Credit: @MCFC_Rez
“I would take Reece as Walker’s replacement today.”
Credit: @makosi_xolanich
“Ready made replacement with some extra add ons and benefits. Only issue is that he’d cost so so much”
Credit: @T__C__D
“100% he’s walker but more capable offensively”
Credit: @OlaMCFC
“Sure we’d love to sign him but they’ll never sell to City. Also looks like he could be off to Madrid.”
Credit: @lj_chap17
“Huge upgrade for him.”
Credit: @NzeYWB
“He would be my number one choice without a doubt. Rate him so much”
Credit: @tobi_adeoye27
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