CHELSEA are eyeing Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries as Reece James’ replacement, reports suggest.
James is expected to be sidelined for up to eight weeks after suffering a knee injury at AC Milan two weeks ago.
According to 90Min, the Blues have been wanting to improve their depth in the right-back position ever since the England international was sidelined and Dumfries, 26, poses as a priority.
Manager Graham Potter has tried to use Cesar Azpilicueta and Raheem Sterling in the same position but they both failed to add the same impact as James.
Therefore, the West Londoners look set to explore the January transfer window for a solution.
And Chelsea appear set to rekindle their interest in Dumfries, whom they targeted last summer with talks being held with Inter.
The Netherlands international’s name has come up on multiple occasions but there are concerns over his £35million price tag.
Chelsea’s trust in James has been unwavering and he is expected to return to the starting line-up once he regains full fitness.
However, Potter’s side still wishes to add a high-calibre alternative at full-back.
James’ injury looks set to cost him a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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Dumfries joined Inter last year from PSV Eindhoven and has since shone bright at the San Siro.
The 26-year-old has amassed a total of seven goals and nine assists in 61 appearances with the Nerazzurri.
