Reece James approaches Barcelona and Benfica as full-back has plan to quit Chelsea amid injury nightmare

According to FootballTransfers, the Blues star's agent is sounding out the Spanish and Portuguese teams respectively. The report adds the idea of moving to a warmer climate has been put to him to try and stem his recurring muscle injuries.

The England international is yet to play for Chelsea this season after picking up another hamstring injury in the summer. The 24-year-old played just 11 times last season, with various ailments keeping him on the sidelines.

The Chelsea academy product - whose contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2028 - has missed well over 100 games for the club due to various hamstring, knee and muscle injuries over the past few years.

James is set to return to first-team training this month but he may still be a long way off from making his first appearance of the season for Enzo Maresca's Chelsea side, who are next in action against Liverpool on October 20.