Champions League update may sway Chelsea star Reece James towards Aston Villa transfer
Champions League qualification could “sway” Chelsea defender Reece James into moving to Aston Villa this summer, according to Alan Hutton.
Unai Emery has rotated his fullbacks throughout his time at Villa Park, particularly on the right side of defence where both Matty Cash and Ezri Konsa shared the majority of the load for most of the Premier League season.
There is a belief that the Villa boss is keen to add to his options ahead of next year’s Champions League campaign, with reports suggesting they could take advantage of Chelsea’s PSR position to take James away from Stamford Bridge [The Mirror, 31 May].
Although Hutton expects the England international will be keen to prove himself once again in South London next season, he does admit that Villa’s top-four finish last time out could be a difference maker.
“Of course, it is going to be difficult, he’s their captain,” Hutton exclusively told Villa News.
“I think the injuries have been a real blow to him. If he was 100 per cent fit he would play week in and week out and as you say he’s Chelsea through and through so this season could have been very different for him if it wasn’t for the injuries.
“He’ll want to go and prove himself at Chelsea next season and that will be his main aim, to stay fit, get back in the team and give his all. If Aston Villa were to get him it would be absolutely outstanding.
“Again he’s a good age, he’s good at defending and he’s good at going forward, his ability on the ball is right up there and his delivery is great as well so from a modern-day fullback perspective he’s right up there.
“I can’t see it happening if I’m honest, but of course the way Villa finished the season in the top four, it could sway him in that direction.
“But I’d imagine he’d be happy where he is.”
Could Aston Villa sign Reece James during the summer transfer window at Villa Park?
Emery and Villa will have to be clever when adding to their squad this summer. While they need new faces through the door to prepare for the Champions League, they cannot afford to breach profit and sustainability regulations.
A new right-back will be high on the agenda, but whether or not the Villans’ budget will be big enough to tempt Chelsea into parting ways with James, let alone convince him to make the move, remains to be seen.
Monchi and his recruitment team may well try their luck with an offer this summer, as they could with Conor Gallagher, but it will be interesting to see whether or not they can pull off some “outstanding” pieces of business.
In other Aston Villa news, Monchi may already be looking for an upgrade on Matty Cash at Villa Park in the summer transfer window
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