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Chelsea are set to open contract talks with Reece James amid the reported interest from Real Madrid.
The England international has been one of the Blues' leading performers, and the hierarchy are prepared to reward him.
He still has three years left on his £58,000-a-week deal, but the board believe he is worthy of a salary hike this summer.
James has been a key player for the Blues since making his breakthrough three years ago under manager Frank Lampard.
He has made the right wing-back position his own under manager Thomas Tuchel, and was terrific in the past season.
He registered five goals and nine assists in the Premier League. Only Mason Mount fared better among the Blues players.
Similar to James, Mount has had a similar career graph. Chelsea are also planning to hand him a new long-term deal.
Mount is currently on wages of £75,000-a-week, and is said to be eyeing around £160,000 weekly to extend his stay.
Written by Sri Aswin
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