Chelsea have set a date to commence contract extension talks with Reece James and Mason Mount, according to reports.
The pair have been two of Chelsea’s most impressive performers in recent seasons since coming through the Cobham academy.
James plied his trade on loan for Wigan Athletic, while Mount played for Derby County and Vitesse Arnhem before being thrown into the Chelsea side under Frank Lampard.
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The duo have gone from strength to strength despite Lampard’s departure, becoming key players under Thomas Tuchel.
They have also already lifted the UEFA Champions League at Chelsea, as well as winning the Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
Mount is into the final two years of his Chelsea contract, with James having three years remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge.
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However, the pair are being monitored by top European clubs - most notably James, who is attracting the attention of Manchester City and Real Madrid.
They are said to be among the lowest earners in the Chelsea squad, and the new owners at Stamford Bridge have now set a date to sit down and discuss new contracts for the players.
As reported by Alex Young of The Evening Standard, Chelsea are set to open contract talks with the players after the transfer window closes.
The Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital consortium have concerns about the current make-up of the Chelsea squad, wishing to offload ‘overpaid and under-performing’ players.
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James has recently handed Chelsea a boost, admitting that he is hopeful of staying at his boyhood club long-term.
He said: It’s an exciting time, not much change from the players’ or the managing point of view. I aim to win every competition we are in, to win every game, and there’s no reason why we can’t do that.
"I’d like to think so, yeah (be at Chelsea long-term).
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"I grew up as a Chelsea fan and I’ve made my name playing for Chelsea, the club I’ve always supported.
"But I don’t see why anything would change. I play for Chelsea now and I’m enjoying it."
It is thought that a proposed new deal would see the wing-back remain at the club until 'his late 20s', potentially a similar deal to that of which Mount will be offered.
For now, though, Chelsea are prioritising incomings as Tuchel looks to rebuild his Chelsea squad in order to challenge at the top end of the Premier League table once more.
Topics: Chelsea, Mason Mount, Reece James, Todd Boehly, Clearlake Capital, Football, Premier League
Nick Emms