Liverpool told to make stunning transfer bid for major Chelsea star | Football

Liverpool have been urged to pursue the audacious signing of Chelsea captain Reece James to upgrade Arne Slot’s defensive options.

Injury problems have plagued James in recent campaigns, but he has looked back to his very best this season under both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.

The 26-year-old is currently recovering from a hamstring injury and is back running on the grass, but despite the recent setback there is no questioning that James has been one of Chelsea’s standout players this term.

Such performances saw James rewarded with a new contract until 2032 last month, but there remains an air of uncertainty over the long-term future of several key Chelsea players in the wake of comments by Enzo Fernandes and Marc Cucurella.

Both players questioned the club’s decision to sack Maresca and its transfer policy, while Fernandez appeared to publicly court a move to Real Madrid.

And former Blues full-back Glen Johnson believes Arne Slot’s side should try to capitalise on that uncertainty and lure James away from the Chelsea project to Anfield in the summer.

‘To be honest, given how versatile Reece James is, I think he’d suit anyone,’ Johnson told Boyle Sports.

‘Because in terms of his ability, he can do a job all over the pitch. He’s a fantastic player, but to have that versatility in your squad is invaluable. 

‘He could fill in at left-back, play centre-half in a back three, or be a right wing-back or a midfielder. I think he would genuinely suit any club, especially one going through a few changes or dealing with injuries.

‘Players like him are hard to find because I don’t think he would go to a club expecting to play 50 games at right-back, for example. It’s not going to happen.

‘So, to have a player who can adapt and do whatever the team and squad need, I think a lot of teams would want that option.’

Johnson continued: ‘I’d love to see him at Liverpool, that’s for sure. I think he would suit Liverpool, probably more so than Arsenal.

‘And I think Manchester United would probably want him as well. But Liverpool could be a very good fit, to be honest. 

‘We spoke about the right-back option with Jeremie Frimpong and others, but as I said, Reece isn’t going to go to a club and play a solid 40 games in one position. He just isn’t. 

‘So, to have him as an option, perhaps in midfield, especially since Liverpool are still in all competitions and will have so many games, injuries, and suspensions, I think he’d be perfect.

‘Yes, I’d love to see him land at Liverpool.’

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