Chelsea teenager Reece James is attracting the interest of Manchester United and other sides in Europe, according to the Daily Mail.
What’s the word?
Highly-rated Chelsea teenager Reece James has caught the eye this season, with the 16-year-old training with Antonio Conte’s first-team in west London. Naturally, that hasn’t gone unnoticed and Manchester United’s interest has been piqued.
The teenager has been on Chelsea’s books for a decade and caught the eye in last week’s EFL Trophy clash at Stamford Bridge, where the Blues overcame Oxford United. With the talent set to turn 17 in just a few weeks’ time, his loyalty to Chelsea may be tested.
Chelsea’s inability to offer promising youngsters first-team football in recent years could tempt James into a move, too.
Who else is interested?
The other side linked with interest in Reece James is Bundesliga surprise package RB Leipzig, with reports stating the club’s chief, Ralf Rangnick, has watched the player recently when visiting London. However, it would be a major shock to see them land the teenager.
Leipzig, who currently sit joint-top of the BuLi alongside Bayern Munich, are keen on signing more young British talent after landing Oliver Burke from Nottingham Forest. Their young squad has taken the Bundesliga by storm and the Red Bull-backed club are eyeing success in the future.
Beating Manchester United to a young talent is a different matter entirely, though, but they could get their chance if they offer Reece James a quicker path into the first-team.
Should he stay at Chelsea?
With Chelsea having an astonishing 38 players on-loan this season, it’s still pretty clear that youngsters at the club need a miracle to get a look in. However, the same could be said for Manchester United – particularly under Jose Mourinho, who doesn’t have a strong record of giving young players their chance.
Familiar surroundings are crucial for a player of James’ age but a move abroad could help him earn experiences that very few other British players have, as players from these shores are often reluctant to go outside their comfort zone.
For now, staying at Chelsea is probably the best move, but in a few years’ time, when James will be in a stronger position to demand first-team football, a transfer may be the right choice.
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