CHELSEA are reportedly close to tying Reece James down to a new contract after fellow academy graduate Armando Broja penned a new six-year deal.
Broja, 20, was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, with West Ham leading the chase for the most part.
However, after the Hammers failed to strike a deal with their London rivals, they instead snapped up Italy international Gianluca Scamacca from Sassuolo.
And with the summer transfer window now closed, Broja has signed new terms with Chelsea.
Broja has penned a six-year deal and will play understudy to new No9 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
According to The Times, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly and manager Thomas Tuchel doesn’t want to stop there with the contract extensions.
READ MORE ON CHELSEA
First-team star Reece James, who has been tipped as the Blues’ next captain by club legend John Terry, is next.
The 22-year-old is in advanced negotiations over a new deal, which is expected to be completed within days.
The England international has less than three years remaining on a deal signed in January 2020.
Boehly also backed Tuchel heavily in the transfer market, splashing nearly £260million on players.
Most read in Football
BETTING OFFER: GET £30 IN FREE BETS WITH SKY BET
Wesley Fofana from Leicester City was the Blues’ biggest deal of the window at around £70m.
While the likes of strikers Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku were the biggest departures.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
