Nigel James, the father of Reece James, has admitted he was gobsmacked when he heard of Real Madrid interest in his son, but says the full-back has no plans at all to leave Chelsea.

Nigel James told The Beautiful Game podcast of Real’s interest: “I was just gobsmacked. I don’t read things anymore, because yeah, until someone rings my phone, or tells the people I work with what the deal is then you take something seriously but Reece is a top player, so I’m sure most clubs would want to sign him but right now I don’t see anything changing.

“He is a Chelsea player and until, if Chelsea wants to sell him, it’s like anything. If a club do not want to work with you anymore and for some reason they want to get rid of you then you go.

“If they want you … he’s been there since six years of age, his ambition is to wear the armband and captain the side and it broke his heart the season we have had just gone.”