James will replace Azpilicueta when fit – Star
Latest newspaper stories involving the area’s clubs….
Cesar Azpilicueta faces the axe as soon as Reece James is fit enough to play, according to the Daily Star Sunday.
The young right-back is recovering from an ankle injury he suffered while on international duty at the Toulon Tournament.
James impressed while on loan at Wigan last season and Frank Lampard has made it clear he will give him a chance in the Chelsea first-team.
That was largely the reason for Blues boss Lampard sanctioning Davide Zappacosta’s recent move to Roma on a season-long loan.
There has been speculation that Azpilicueta’s place could be under threat as James edges his way to fitness.
And the Daily Star Sunday declare that Lampard plans to replace Azpilicueta sooner rather than later.
The newspaper quote an “insider” as saying that James “will go straight into the team” once fit.
Meanwhile, reports in Turkey, where the transfer window closes on Monday, suggest Turkish top-flight club Goztepe want to sign Floyd Ayite from Fulham.
And reports in QPR defender Toni Leistner’s native Germany, where the deadline is also on Monday, continue to link him with a possible return there.
West London Sport revealed earlier this summer that the R’s were looking to sell Leistner after he had fallen out of favour with boss Mark Warburton.
However, he has since regained his place in the side at Rangers, who were unable to land Aberdeen centre-back Scott McKenna last month and expect Leistner to stay.
