Real Madrid are not prepared to spend huge money on Chelsea defender Reece James.

That is according to Estadio Deportivo.

While the Spanish outlet claims that Real Madrid are interested in Reece James, their report states that they do not want to pay more than EUR40m (PS34.9m) for the right-back.

James is such an important player for the Blues, recently being named the club captain following Cesar Azpilicueta's departure in the summer.

Real Madrid interested in Reece James Estadio Deportivo reporting that Real Madrid are interested in James is hardly a shock. The 23-year-old is easily one of the best right-backs in the world.

"He is a world-class player," his former manager Graham Potter was quoted as saying by BBC Sport last season.

But the Blues are unlikely to sell him and definitely not for PS35m. As well as James being such a key player for Chelsea, the club are not in a position where they have to let him go.

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The England international signed a new six-year contract last September, so there is no risk of losing him on a free transfer.

Of course, you can never rule anything out in football and if Mauricio Pochettino's side, who have only just entered the top half of the table following their 2-2 draw with Arsenal yesterday, continue to struggle, then Chelsea may have to convince James to stay.

It would be a massive blow if Chelsea lost James, whom former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O'Hara loves watching, but we do not think the club need to start panicking about Real Madrid's interest just yet.