Man City 'target move for Chelsea right back Reece James this summer'
First Grealish, then Kane… and now Reece James! Manchester City ‘line up ambitious move for Chelsea starlet’ as next step in Pep Guardiola’s incredible summer spending spree
- Manchester City are expected to splash the cash during a busy transfer window
- In-form Chelsea right back Reece James is reportedly the club’s newest target
- Pep Guardiola is said to be keen to sign him, and is impressed with his versatility
- But Chelsea will be reluctant to sell James, who still has four years on his deal
Manchester City are interested in Chelsea right-back Reece James and have added the in-form star to their shortlist, according to reports.
James is said to be admired by Pep Guardiola, who is braced for a busy summer with an overhaul lined up at the Etihad, and he has become City’s latest big-name target.
The Athletic claim that Chelsea are unwilling to sell James, who would be joining a rival in the title race, but City are thought to be keen on brokering a deal regardless.
Manchester City have reportedly added Chelsea right back Reece James to their shortlist
James (right) has impressed at Chelsea and caught the eye of the Premier League champions
After making his first-team breakthrough in September 2019, James’ stock has risen, culminating in his superb performance against City in the Champions League final.
He has made 84 appearances in total over the last two seasons, and his impressive form has caught the eye of the reigning champions.
Guardiola was left particularly struck by James’ displays against his team, and is keen to bring him in despite the competition the England man would face.
Winning the Champions League capped off James’ superb rise through the ranks with Chelsea
Both Kyle Walker, a Three Lions team-mate of James, and Joao Cancelo are adept in the position – and the arrival would leave City with an embarrassment of riches.
However, despite the quality of his current options, Guardiola wants to press ahead with the swoop for James, who has four years left on his deal at Stamford Bridge.
James’ versatility, which allows him to play in the heart of defence and midfield, is another trait that City are understood to appreciate.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Inter Milan wing back Achraf Hakimi, who is reportedly now set to join PSG instead, has left City seriously believing the switch may be possible.
Pep Guardiola is expected to splash the cash this summer, with James now his latest target
The Athletic add the talks with Inter have ‘sent out a message’ to City, and that they hint at doubts over whether James will be a first-team regular in the long-term in west London or just a squad player.
It has also been highlighted that James remains one of the lowest-paid stars at Chelsea, despite having penned fresh terms in January 2020, but the length of his deal may prove a stumbling block.
City may not even be able to snap up James this summer, with the club eyeing up a mouth-watering double swoop for Harry Kane and Jack Grealish.
Even with the warchest available to Guardiola, wrapping up all three moves would likely prove a bridge too far.
James was named in England’s Euro 2020 squad and started in the bore draw with Scotland
Jack Grealish (right) is also a City target and the club are confident £100million will be enough
Sportsmail reported on Friday that City are confident an offer of £100million would be enough to see them sign Grealish from Aston Villa.
Villa have not given up hope of keeping Grealish and are prepared to hand him an improved contract, but City believe the prospect of Champions League football next season will aid their cause.
The past week is understood to have handed City fresh encouragement that the deal may be struck after Euro 2020.
Meanwhile, there are fears at the club that Tottenham will remain firm over their price tag for talisman Kane, despite his open desire for a new challenge.
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