EXCLUSIVE: Man City still want Reece James despite new Walker contract
Steve Kay
- Updated: 18 Sept 2023 14:04 BST
- 3 min read
Exclusive
Manchester City are still interested in a transfer for Chelsea’s Reece James, despite Kyle Walker signing a new contract for the club, FootballTransfers has learned.
England right-back Walker has seen his future in doubt at the Etihad Stadium for several months, with Bayern Munich notably linked with a surprise move for the 33-year-old star, who is now committed to the Etihad outfit until 2026.
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Although the ex-Tottenham player has signed a new deal with Pep Guardiola’s side, Man City are still keeping tabs on Chelsea’s James.
FootballTransfers can confirm that talks have been held between Man City and Chelsea regarding the future of the 23-year-old - and crucially the new deal penned by Walker will have no bearing on whether a transfer takes place.
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Chelsea want to block James move
Chelsea are presently set to do everything in their power to keep James, sources have told FootballTransfers.
However, it has been indicated that this stance is not necessarily a solid one. James’ injury problems could see him go up for sale should the right offer come in, although it would need to be a “huge” one.
James has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €57 million, but this has been as high as €69m in the past. Chelsea are likely to seek a figure in excess of both of these numbers to part ways with their academy star.
The player’s position, meanwhile, is not thought to be as concrete at Chelsea as previously suggested. Should the Blues fail to make the Champions League next season, this will have a significant bearing on whether he elects to push for a move.
With Mauricio Pochettino’s side having started the season slowly – they are down in 14th in the Premier League table after five games – there has to be a genuine fear of them missing out on Europe’s leading competition once more.
FootballTransfers, meanwhile, understands that there is no current interest from Real Madrid in James, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side content with the form of Dani Carvajal.
