Chelsea interested in Nelson Semedo transfer with Wolves full-back targeted as back up to injured Reece James

CHELSEA have identified Nelson Semedo as a back up right-back to Reece James, according to reports.

England international James, 22, is currently in a race to be fit for the World Cup after suffering a knee injury last month.

During his absence, Blues boss Graham Potter has been forced to use a variety of players on the right side of his defence.

They have included Cesar Azpilicueta, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christian Pulisic and Raheem Sterling.

And that has coincided with a four-game winless run which culminated in a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Brighton on Saturday.

According to , Wolves man Semedo is being considered as a potential target for Chelsea in the January window as they look to supply James with sufficient competition.

The former Barcelona man, 28, arrived at Molineux for £37million in 2020 and has made 75 appearances for the Premier League club.

And he has shown his versatility by playing in both a back four and back five.

But a hamstring problem over the summer has seen him fall out of favour under Bruno Lage, starting just seven games so far this season.

And it means he could be enticed by a move to Chelsea - who would offer him Champions League football for the first time since he left Barcelona.

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However, it remains to be seen whether Wolves will allow the Portuguese full-back to depart the club.

Wanderers currently sit 19th in the Premier League table with just two wins from their opening 13 matches.

And the prospect of a relegation battle could mean they are reluctant to let any players go before the end of the campaign.