The Chelsea defender appears on Real Madrid’s shortlist to sign in January

Real Madrid desperately need a right-back, having seen Lucas Vázquez struggle for the second time against Barcelona. While Fede Valverde has filled that spot well at times this season, keeping the Uruguayan there means losing him in midfield, and Los Blancos are now considering a right-back move in the remaining weeks of the transfer window.

According to Diario AS, one of the names on the table is Chelsea right-back Reece James. The England international has been on Real Madrid’s radar for some time, but has fallen out of consideration in recent years at both the Santiago Bernabeu and Stamford Bridge due to his injury history. They say that Real Madrid would have to carry out tests to ensure that he is physically capable of performing, but Los Blancos would be open to a loan for James until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old has played just 320 minutes of football this season, the majority of which came in a four-week period in October and November. James recently returned to action against Morecambe and then Bournemouth. It remains to be seen what Chelsea and James could gain from a short-term move, although it would give him regular playing time at Real Madrid if he stays fit.