Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly 'leading the chase' to sign Chelsea defender Reece James.

James, who came through the youth system at Chelsea, has spent the 2018-19 campaign on loan with Wigan Athletic in the Championship.

Manchester United have previously been credited with an interest in the 19-year-old, who penned a four-year deal with Chelsea last summer ahead of leaving for Wigan.

However, according to The Sun, Brighton are the team in pole position for the teenager after learning that the Blues would be prepared to sell in this summer's transfer window.

James - named in the Championship Team of the Year - is yet to make a first-team appearance for Chelsea.