Real Madrid are hoping to take advantage of Chelsea’s need to raise funds this summer by eyeing a move for Reece James.
The two clubs have been pitted against each other in the Champions League for the third successive season – with the Spanish and European champions triumphing 2-0 in Wednesday night’s first leg in Madrid. Before the match, Blues owner Todd Boehly lunched with a delegation of Madrid officials headed by president Florentino Perez – continuing a pre-match tradition.
Yet while Boehly's bravado ahead of the match saw him confidently predict his out-of-form side could blow away the current Champions League holders 3-0, Madrid officials were growing confident in their plans to raid Chelsea's squad.