By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

17th Sep, 2023 | 10:00am

Sources: Chelsea would accept 'ridiculous' Reece James offer

It would take a ridiculous offer for Chelsea to part with reported Real Madrid target Reece James, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on Friday (15 September) that the Blues are desperate to keep James, 23, despite his continued struggles with injury.

It is believed that Chelsea are keen to build their side around the right-back under the watchful eye of new boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Fresh links between Real Madrid and James have emerged in recent days – but the Spanish giants have long been interested in his services.

However, with Chelsea handing the England international the captain’s armband and the player committing to a new deal last year (2022) – he looks unlikely to quit Stamford Bridge.

James signed a fresh six-year contract running until 2028 and is now on reported wages of £250,000-a-week at Stamford Bridge.

He is currently on the treatment table with a hamstring problem he sustained in the season-opening draw against Liverpool early in August.

The club hope the defender can steer clear of injury problems and become a key man under Pochettino.

James is an established fan favourite at Stamford Bridge after graduating from the Chelsea academy and making his breakthrough under Frank Lampard.

The England international has the faith of fans and club chiefs alike despite his persistent injury issues, which saw him play just 16 Premier League games in the 2022-23 campaign.

He has made 148 appearances for the Londoners in total, notching 11 goals and 20 assists.

In other news, Euro giants ready to move for Chelsea star.