West Ham were one of eight Premier League clubs interested in Reece James in the summer. According to The Telegraph, Chelsea fielded enquiries from a host of Premier League clubs for James, including West Ham, Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace.
James spent last season on loan at Wigan Athletic in the Championship and impressed with his performances. The 19-year-old was named in the Championship Team of the Year despite Wigan’s poor league finish.
He will now get his chance in the Chelsea team as Frank Lampard will offload Davide Zappacosta instead. The young right-back will compete with Cesar Azpilicueta at Stamford Bridge when he recovers from an injury.
West Ham’s right-back situation
West Ham currently have three right-backs but none of them have nailed down a regular spot. Ryan Fredericks is the first-choice right-back but there are still some concerns over his form and he has had numerous injury niggles since joining from Fulham.
Pablo Zabaleta provides back-up and competition. The veteran Argentine is a valuable member of the squad for his character but his playing days are coming to an end. He cannot play every week for West Ham.
Teenager Ben Johnson is also in contention. The 19-year-old can play anywhere across the back four and has impressed in pre-season. If James joined, Johnson might become a left-back or be sent out on loan.
James could be a future target for West Ham depending on how well he does at Chelsea. The England youth international might struggle to replace Azpilicueta, making him available in January or the summer.
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