By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

31st Mar, 2023 | 3:00pm

Sources: Chelsea braced for 'huge' Reece James bid

Chelsea are preparing to face a huge bid from Real Madrid for Reece James this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The La Liga giants are big admirers of the 23-year-old England international and have made him a top transfer target.

Reports emerging from Spain reveal that Real are still interested in James recently signing a bumper deal with the Blues.

As recently as September, James signed a new deal at Stamford Bridge keeping him with the club until 2028.

It is understood that James’ new deal made him one of the top earners at the club.

Chelsea are aware of interest from Spain but remain confident that James will stay put in London. Graham Potter values James as a critical player in his dressing room and a future club captain.

The Blues consider their current situation as comfortable and they remain unconvinced that Madrid can threaten James’ future at the club.

James has spent the entirety of his senior career at Chelsea after graduating from Cobham, apart from a brief loan spell at Wigan Athletic in the 2018/19 campaign.

After 11 years in the youth ranks, James reached the first team in 2018 and has been a part of the senior squad ever since.

He has racked up 141 total appearances for the club, scoring 11 and assisting 20 in the process.

James has helped Chelsea win the 2021 Champions League and Super Cup, while also winning two FA Youth Cups during his academy years.

In other news, Agbonlahor shares verdict on Liverpool completing Chelsea signing – ‘they’ve got the edge’