Reece James knows he's underpaid at Chelsea.

The fullback signed a new deal during former manager Frank Lampard's tenure, taking his wages to £70,000-a-week.

Since then, James has become a first-choice and an England international.

The Athletic says James is aware that he is underpaid when assessing the role he plays in the team, and the new owners should prioritise a new deal to scupper interest.

But Chelsea are playing a dangerous game as the star still has three years left on his current deal, which is holding them back from offering a new one.

Both Real Madrid and Manchester City have shown interest in the star, with the Spanish giants seeing him as a replacement for Dani Carvajal, and City boss Pep Guardiola identifying James as the ideal long-term successor for Kyle Walker.