Real Madrid reportedly remain firmly interested in Chelsea captain Reece James despite the fact that the defender signed a new long-term contract at Stamford Bridge in September.

The 23-year-old has only made four appearances for the Blues this season, missing a chunk of action due to a hamstring problem, but he has returned to feature in his side's last two Premier League matches.

The England international appeared off the bench against Arsenal and Brentford before starting against Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Cup last week.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is being cautious when it comes to the defender's return due to fears that he could suffer a relapse of the hamstring issue which he picked up against Liverpool on the opening weekend of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign.

James was made Blues captain over the summer and also signed a new long-term deal, with his terms at Stamford Bridge due to run until June 2028.

However, Real Madrid are believed to view the Englishman as a long-term target, and according to TEAMtalk, the Spanish giants are planning to make a move for him in the not too distant future.

The report claims that Los Blancos believe that James could have a similar impact as Jude Bellingham, who has scored 13 times and registered three assists in 13 appearances during an incredible start to his Real Madrid career.

Bellingham moved to Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City before arriving at Bernabeu over the summer, and he has been the Spanish club's standout player this term.

Real Madrid are said to be closely monitoring James's form, with Los Blancos head coach Carlo Ancelotti said to be a huge admirer of the right-back.

The Madrid giants are believed to view the Chelsea defender as the ideal long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal, who will turn 32 in January.

Carvajal has again been a key player for Real Madrid this season, scoring once and providing two assists in 11 appearances, but he is potentially heading towards the latter stages of his career.

James made his first-team debut for Chelsea in 2018 but went on loan to Wigan Athletic before becoming a regular for the London giants.

The 16-time England international has now featured on 151 occasions for the Blues, scoring 11 goals and contributing 20 assists in the process.

James has allegedly expressed no desire to leave Chelsea despite the team's troubles, but Real Madrid 'are very keen' to bring him to the club.