Chelsea star's representatives exploring chances of joining Barcelona - Reports

Chelsea defender Reece James could be on his way to Barcelona, with his agent sounding out Spanish and Portuguese clubs. As claimed by Footballtransfers.com, both Barcelona and Benfica have been approached by the England international's representative.

It has been claimed that James has been advised by physios to consider moving to a country with warmer climates than England. A move to Spain or Portugal could be the ideal solution to the 24-year-old's recurring muscle injuries, as per experts.

Spain and Portugal both have higher average temperatures compared to England. Their leagues are also not as physically demanding as the Premier League. A move to Barcelona or Benfica could be the only way for James to salvage his career which has been deeply troubled by injuries.

James is yet to make a single appearance for Chelsea this season due to a hamstring injury. He only made 11 appearances in all competitions for the Blues last season because of various injury problems.

Since breaking into Chelsea's first team in 2018, James has become an important player for the Blues. He has made 158 appearances across competitions for his boyhood club, registering 11 goals and 22 assists.

Aged just 24, his future as a footballer is somewhat questionable given his poor injury records.

James is contracted at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2028. However, he could leave his boyhood club to save his injury-ridden career.

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Pundit details what Chelsea need to do to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League

Former Chelsea and Scotland midfield Craig Burley has claimed the Blues could secure a top-four finish in the Premier League. He insisted that Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa could stumble, handing the west London giants a spot in the top four.

Burley felt Spurs' defensive issues could cost them and highlighted Aston Villa's Champions League commitment as a factor for them to slip up. The pundit said, as quoted by ESPN FC:

“Is Villa’s European exploits enough to take the edge off their Premier League season? And Tottenham are so unpredictable at the moment. So they have got a chance, they have a chance, but, they have to sort the defensive side of it out if they are going to do that."

"And I think at the moment you have to say Villa, you know, for example, if we think Liverpool, Arsenal Manchester City in any given order, that’s three teams, there’s one more space, then that fourth spot, and Villa at the moment are just a better all-round squad,” he added.

Enzo Maresca has enjoyed a solid start to life at Stamford Bridge since taking charge of Chelsea at the start of the season. His side are currently fourth in the Premier League with 14 points in seven games.