Chelsea youngster being monitored by Manchester United: Who is Reece James?
Chelsea youngster Reece James is attracting attention from the likes of Manchester United, according to the latest reports. Who exactly is he?
Chelsea have a questionable track record when it comes to dealing with young players. They are once again under the microscope with the latest reports claiming that Reece James is being targeted by the likes of Manchester United.However, even the most ardent of Blues fans may not know much about him, so we have your back.
The Daily Mail reports that the precocious youngster is on United’s radar, with Red Bull Leipzig also considering a move for the talent.
"Red Bull Leipzig and Manchester United have shown an interest in Chelsea 16-year-old Reece James…Ralf Rangnick, Red Bull’s football guru and RB Leipzig chief, is among those who has watched the youngster while visiting London in recent weeks."
Given these reports, it is evident that James has plenty of potential. At the age of 16, Chelsea fans may not be overly familiar with him. Hopefully, this will help.
Name: Reece James
DOB: 18 December 1999
Position: Defender/midfielder
James is approaching his 17th birthday, but he has already spent a decade with the Blues. The teenager joined the West London outfit at the age of six and he has graduated through Chelsea’s incredibly productive academy system.
In an encouraging reflection of his talent, James played a significant part in Chelsea U23’s victory over Oxford United last week. He started in midfield and lasted 72 minutes before being substituted by manager Adi Viveash. The Blues would eventually prevail in a penalty shootout after 90 minutes of regulation time.
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Interestingly, the youngster started out as a striker but he has gradually worked his way further back towards his own goal. Currently, having spent significant periods of last season as both a right-back and a midfielder, he offers a versatile skill set that is so vital in modem football.
James is tipped to achieve great things in his career and this news is a reminder to Chelsea to watch their back. United, for certain, will not be shy in their pursuit of the teenager should they want him.
Giver his age, a flurry of loan moves is probably on the horizon and that is not necessarily a bad thing. He requires competitive football in order to progress and fulfil his potential. Such opportunities are justifiably unavailable at Stamford Bridge.
The key for Chelsea officials will be to convince James of the benefits of these loans and reassure him of a fruitful future career with the Blues.
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If they do not, fans will once again be left wandering about another one that got away.