According to the latest reports from the Sun, Marcelo Bielsa is known to be an admirer of Chelsea full-back Reece James. The defender spent the last season on loan with Championship outfit Wigan Athletic. However, Chelsea kept him at the Stamford Bridge even though there was some interest in for him in the summer.
Summer interest for James and why Chelsea are likely to keep him
It remains to be seen whether the Whites will make a move for him or not in January, but Bielsa seems to like the player and what he brings on the pitch. Reports do mention that Chelsea are likely to keep him under their wings, so Leeds United or any possible suitor will find it hard to lure him.
James is being seen as a successor to Cesar Azpilicueta. With Chelsea’s transfer embargo, they will be more unlikely to send players away as they won’t get a chance to bring in a replacement. Brighton made an offer of £10m for him in the summer, but the Blues rejected that bid. Newcastle United are said to be interested in a loan move for him in January.
Can Leeds United get him?
With a Premier League club also interested in getting him on loan, we don’t see the Whites winning the transfer battle for him even if Chelsea decides to change their mind and send him away for regular game time. Moreover, Frank Lampard and Marcelo Bielsa certainly don’t share Christmas cards after the Spygate saga, so we don’t see a move like this happening anyway.
The English defender has just played half an hour of football in the Premier League this season over two appearances. Last season, he was a mainstay for Wigan in defence as he played 45 games in the Championship contributing with three goals and three assists. He was even deployed as a defensive midfielder and as a centre back in some of the games. The 19-year-old proved his mettle by doing quite well in other positions as well.
Leeds United don’t exactly need a right back at the moment even though the versatility of James will make him a handy addition to the Whites’ squad. The club has two impressive options in Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling for right back. Jamie Shackleton can also fill in when required.
The Whites instead should be on the lookout for attacking players who will contribute with goals and assists as that is the side of the game where they have struggled so far in the Championship.
