Reports from Spain have claimed that Mauricio Pochettino has asked for one Real Madrid player in exchange for Reece James if he is sold.

According to Defensa Central, the manager wants to bring in Fede Valverde if a deal is struck for the current Chelsea captain to leave Stamford Bridge.

Reports have emerged over the past few days that a number of top clubs are circling around James in an attempt to sneak the signing of the 23-year-old.

Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

The right-back is currently injured after playing just one game this season, with it looking as if he has not yet shaken off what appear to be regular injury concerns.

Pochettino has been forced to look to his back-up options for both a player on the right of his defence and a captain on the pitch.

Pochettino considering James and Valverde swap

James’ quality is undoubted, however him continuing to suffer regular injuries could see the Blues consider cashing in if an immense offer came in.

That perhaps leans in to why reports from Spain are currently stating that the current manager would be interested in bringing in Valverde in exchange.

Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

The midfielder has come on leaps and bounds in the previous few seasons, solidifying himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet in Madrid.

He has been described as ‘world-class’ by current teammate Toni Kroos, who he is threatening to replace for good as the most relied upon member of the squad.

It looks unlikely that the Blues would be able to convince Madrid to part ways with the Uruguay international, however the only thing more difficult would be getting Chelsea to agree to sell James, who has been handed the armband as a sign of the faith in his future.