Who is James?
James is one of the rising stars of the women’s game and was called up to the England team for the first time in November.
The teenager featured 10 times in the WSL for United this season, scoring two goals.
Why does a transfer interest her?
James has just one year left on her contract at Manchester United and sources have told The Athletic that, while happy at the club, she wants to return to the capital to be closer to her family.
She has been living in Manchester for the past three years having made the move there from Arsenal at 16.
The last year has been particularly tough because of COVID-19 and the restrictions put in place.
It is a major reason for her looking to make the switch, although the news that Manchester United’s coach Casey Stoney is leaving her role at the end of the campaign is an added factor.
James considers Stoney to be a mentor and also someone to help her cope with living away from home.
Why do Chelsea want to sign her?
James started training at Chelsea from around the age of six and it is believed her progress has been monitored ever since she left for Arsenal seven years later.
The prospect of playing for respected coach Emma Hayes would obviously appeal. Chelsea have just won the WSL title for a second year in a row and reached the Champions League Final, where they face Barcelona, for the first time in their history.
Chelsea have denied there is any interest, but insiders have told The Athletic that it has ‘a very good chance of happening’.
It all depends on a price being agreed, although the issue was first flagged when Lauren James’s name was included on the list of squad members for the release of the new Chelsea kit.
Is there anything else I need to know?
On Thursday Chelsea released their new home kit for the 2021-22 season on their website — with the option to buy a shirt with Lauren James’ name emblazoned across the back.
The Athletic understands that this was not because of an impending transfer but because of a technical error on the part of the online retail company Fanatics, who manage Chelsea’s online store.
The Chelsea website also offered the option to buy the new shirt with Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy on the back.
(Photo: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
