Madrid step up £44m pursuit for James transfer

Real Madrid have reportedly stepped up their chase of Reece James.

The Chelsea star could be available for just £ 44 million this summer.

But some fans jokingly fear James may not be up to the mark after “failing the Vinicius Jr test.”

James, 23, has become one of Chelsea’s most important players after working his way through the academy.

He has already won a Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup after 145 games.

And Chelsea rewarded James’ talent by doubling his wages on a new five-year deal in September.

However, the Blues face a fire-sale this summer after Todd Boehly’s £600million spending spree unbalanced the books.

Real Madrid are big fans of James as they eye a new right-back to replace Dani Carvajal.

And Marca claims Los Blancos are ready to step up their pursuit by making a £44m bid, with Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies also on their radar.

They believe it could be enough to secure James’ signature with Chelsea needing a quick cash injection.

Real got the chance to witness the defender first-hand in last night’s Champions League win over the Blues.

But James’ attacking threat was nullified by Carlo Ancelotti’s clever tactics.

And he also struggled to keep up with flying winger Vinicius Jr, who had a field day on the left wing.

Indeed, some supporters jokingly fear James may not be good enough for Real after his below-par performance.

One said: “Reece was being evaluated without knowing yesterday and it doesn’t look good.

“He failed the Vini test.”

Another declared: “He had a stinker this week.”

One added: “James is finished, should not be a target at all.”