Manchester City will target a move to sign Chelsea captain Reece James as the club look to sign a long-term replacement for Kyle Walker.

Walker remains a key figure for the Premier League champions and has captained the club this season, following the departure of Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona last summer.

However, the England international will turn 34 before the end of the season and City are in the process of planning for the future at right-back.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Chelsea’s James is a player Pep Guardiola admires and the 23-year-old is under consideration.

James has struggled with fitness issue across the past 18 months, but has forged a reputation as one of Europe’s best full-backs since progressing from the Chelsea academy.

The west Londoners would demand a huge fee for James, who was named as club captain last summer. Real Madrid have previously been credited with interest in James, who will compete with Walker for a place in the England squad ahead of next summer’s European Championship.

The defender impressed during a chaotic 4-4 draw between the clubs in the Premier League on Sunday, leading the first half for tackles (5) and chances created (2), while registering an assist for Raheem Sterling’s goal at Stamford Bridge.