Newcastle United are reportedly weighing up an offer for Chelsea defender Reece James in the January transfer window. England Under-20 international James has been brought into Chelsea’s first-team squad this season by manager Frank Lampard but the versatile defender has been limited to just two substitute appearances in the Premier League.
The 19-year-old, who spent the 2018/19 campaign on loan at Championship outfit Wigan Athletic, has featured in two Champions League matches this term and also played in the 7-1 thrashing of Grimsby Town in the third round of the EFL Cup.
Spanish full-back Cesar Azpilicueta had endured a difficult start to the season, coming under fire for some disappointing performances, and it was thought James would be handed more chances to shine in England’s top flight.
However, Azpilicueta’s form has picked up in recent weeks and James is said to be becoming frustrated at the lack of opportunities coming his way and would reportedly be interested in securing a loan move away from Stamford Bridge for the second half of the campaign.
Lampard is believed to be willing to sanction a temporary exit and it is thought Newcastle, who drew 1-1 at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday to move one point clear of the relegation zone, are at the front of the queue for his signature.
Steve Bruce, who took charge at St James’ after the departure of Rafael Benitez, has used DeAndre Yedin, Javier Manquillo and summer signing Emil Krafth at right-back this season and none of the trio have cemented down the position.
The former Sheffield Wednesday boss is said to be a firm admirer of James and a deal could be wrapped up in the January transfer window.
Newcastle, who make the trip to the London Stadium on Saturday to take on West Ham United, could face stiff competition for James’ signature amid reports a number of Premier League and Championship clubs are interested in signing the defender on loan.
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