Newcastle United and Leeds United are interested in signing Chelsea defender Reece James on loan, according to reports from The Sun.

The 19-year-old was hugely impressive on loan with Wigan Athletic last season, and was even named in the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Year, despite the Latics finishing 18th in the league standings.

The young full-back has since made five first-team appearances under Frank Lampard this season, coming on as a late substitute in their 2-0 win over Ajax in the UEFA Champions League.

The homegrown star has also made two appearances in the Premier League this term, but is still being targeted for a loan move according to The Sun.

Reports claim that Newcastle and Leeds are admirers of the teenager, and are said to be interested in signing him on loan in January.

Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling are both solid options at right-back for Leeds, but Bielsa is seemingly keen to add depth to his defence as he looks to guide Leeds to promotion this term.

The Whites sit third in the Championship after a 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend.

The Verdict

I cannot see this move happening to be honest, as it's quite unrealistic.

Firstly, I don't think Chelsea would be willing to let him go - they haven't really got any depth at right-back, and he's established himself as a key player for Lampard this season.

With Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling both performing really well this season too, I can't see Bielsa wanting to add another full-back to his squad, no matter how talented how James is.