Chelsea 'consider' axing injury-prone player as PSG 'enter race' for defender

Chelsea are now gearing up for a Europa Conference League clash with Heidenheim as they look to build on the momentum built up with Saturday’s Premier League win over Leicester City. Enzo Maresca’s men will prioritise the Premier League this season, but they will still want to put together a good run in Europe.

The Conference League also gives some of the fringe players a chance to stake their claim for a starting spot in the league. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.

James claim

Chelsea are reportedly considering selling club captain Reece James as injuries continue to plague the right-back. James remains on a big wage, but he has barely played in the last couple of seasons, with seemingly never ending injuries.

James recently returned from a long-term thigh injury, but he is now sidelined again for what he hopes will be a shorter period due to a setback. According to The Boot Room, Chelsea’s patience is beginning to run out, and James could be considered for a sale in the not too distant future. Naturally, that is just speculation, and Maresca has not made any suggestion of that scenario playing out.

Khusanov latest

Chelsea are said to have company in their reported bid to land RC Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov. The Blues have been linked with the centre-back amid reports Maresca wants more competition for Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill.

According to Foot Mercato, PSG are now pushing for a deal to sign Khusanov as they face the possibility of losing Milan Škriniar. It’s claimed PSG chief Luis Campos has already met with the defender’s representatives as the French club look to get a head start on a deal. A deal is liikely to cost any buying club between £15million and £20million.