Chelsea fullback Reece James has cooled speculation that he would consider leaving Stamford Bridge.

Both Manchester City and Real Madrid were linked with the England international back in May, but the defender says he is keen to commit his long-term future to his boyhood club:

“I grew up as a Chelsea fan and I made my name playing for Chelsea the club I’ve always supported. I don’t see why that would change I play for Chelsea now and I’m enjoying it.”

As well as being a supporter of the Blues, James started out in the club’s youth academy when he was just six years of age, so it would be a huge wrench for him to leave London.

City are known to be keen admirers and, with the player still being paid a pretty modest wage by Chelsea, they may be keen to take advantage of the situation, but James’ comments suggest they would be wasting their time.

In any case, it is not as though manager Pep Guardiola is short of right-backs. Kyle Walker is continuing to play at a high level, while Joao Cancelo is more than capable of stepping in when required.