Chelsea are yet to offer Reece James a new contract and Real Madrid are reportedly interested in the 21-year-old right back.
Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea are yet to tie their best right-back to a new contract and could risk losing James like they did with Antonio Rudiger.
Antonio Rudiger could have stayed at Chelsea if Chelsea had given him a reasonable contract deal.
Chelsea failed to give him a contract and Real Madrid came knocking on the door and he answered their call.
Since signing his current contract two-and-a-half years ago the 22-year-old has unquestionably become one of the most important players in Thomas Tuchel's squad, playing a key role under the German since his arrival in January 2021.
James, who earns in the region of £70,000 per week, has three years left to run on his current contract, which Chelsea feel negates the need for urgency to make any moves on a new deal.
Sportsmail understands there was no approach from Chelsea prior to the sanctioning of former owner Roman Abramovich to reward James with an improved deal despite his emergence as key player.
But with the restrictions placed on the club by the Government now lifted following Todd Boehly's successful takeover at Stamford Bridge it remains to be seen whether the new regime view securing James' future as a priority.
It is understood the new owners are yet to indicate whether they intend to open talks with James over an extension this summer.
James came through Chelsea's academy and has become a firm favourite with the club's supporters given his long history with the Blues.
However, there is said to be a confidence at Chelsea that James' preference will always be to stay in west London given the emotional ties he has with the club.
However, that stance could backfire if James feels undervalued by the club he joined as a six-year-old.
Indeed, news of the contractual impasse will interest City, who view James as their ideal long-term replacement for Kyle Walker.
Real Madrid have also been credited with a strong interest in James in recent weeks - with sources confirming to Sportsmail that the Spanish club are monitoring his situation very closely.
Chelsea's continued interest in Achraf Hakimi has offered James' suitors hope the right-sided player could be obtainable if his contract situation is not resolved.
- No approach from Chelsea (yet) to extend his deal
- Man City and Real Madrid monitoring
- Current pay doesn’t illustrate role as key player
- Emerging concerns over future at Chelsea amid risk of James feeling undervalued.
[Sami Mokbel]
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