Chelsea transfer news: Davide Zappacosta could be loaned out to ensure Reece James breakthrough

Reece James’ chances of breaking into the Chelsea first-team hinge on whether the club decide to loan out Davide Zappacosta.

James, 19, enjoyed an outstanding 2018/19 season on loan at Wigan as they successfully fought off relegation from the Championship.

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His performances caught the eye and many feel he is destined to be part of Chelsea’s senior set-up sooner rather than later, and the club want him to be the main back-up to club captain and current right-back Cesar Azpilicueta this season, the Evening Standard reports.

The versatile teenager is currently sidelined after sustaining an ankle injury on England Under-20 duty at the beginning of June, which has forced Frank Lampard to utilise Zappacosta so much throughout pre-season.

The Italy international has two-and-a-half years remaining on his Chelsea contract, but has struggled to hold down a regular place in the team since his £23million move from Torino in 2017.

He has been linked with a return to Serie A, with both Roma and Lazio said to be interested in him.

Chelsea plan to hand a new contract to James as they look to build their squad around a core of academy youngsters.

They have already handed out fresh deals to Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek since Lampard took over as manager, while Callum Hudson-Odoi will also put pen to paper on a contract extension before the start of the campaign.