Committed: Reece James
(Picture: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)Chelsea defender Reece James is set to sign a new contract within the next week with talks now nearing a conclusion and both sides happy with the outcome.
The Boehly-Clearlake regime had made the negotiations with the 22-year-old one of their priorities before they took over the club and they look set to ensure James's long-term future.
It comes amid huge pressure from clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City who were ready to take advantage of Chelsea letting his contract run down, with less than two years remaining on his current deal.
The defender was also paid way below the market rate but the new owners are said to have been decisive in keeping one of their star players.
Both the player's and club’s lawyers are finalising the details of the deal and James is now expected to continue with his boyhood club. The right-back grew up supporting Chelsea and came through the youth training centre at Cobham after joining as a six-year-old.
The news comes shortly after striker Armando Broja signed a new six-year deal which will see him remain at the club until 2028. There are further plans to renew the deals for both midfielder Mason Mount and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in the coming weeks.
It follows criticism of the previous regime which let both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen walk away from Stamford Bridge to join Real Madrid and Barcelona on free transfers.
There are also concerns around the midfield with N'Golo Kante and Jorginho in the final year of their contracts.
