Chelsea warned Championship star won’t come cheap as Mauricio Pochettino eyes shock transfer for Reece James stand-in

RUSSELL MARTIN warned Chelsea it would take big money to force Southampton to sell Kyle Walker-Peters this month.

England international Walker-Peters, 26, is on the Blues’ radar as they eye defensive reinforcements and cover for injury-cursed Reece James.

Chelsea are eyeing a shock swoop for Southampton ace Kyle Walker-PetersGetty

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Reece James is sidelined after hamstring surgery in December[/caption]

Captain James, 24, is one of eight first-team Chelsea stars currently sidelined through injury.

His latest issue is a hamstring tear that required surgery and looks set to keep him out for around three months, with a return date pencilled in for the middle of March.

It comes after three previous hamstring injuries in 2023 – plus the knee damage that forced him to sit out of the 2022 World Cup.

Now Mauricio Pochettino is keen to make a shock transfer swoop to the Championship to bring in Walker-Peters.

But Southampton are reluctant to sell their key man as they chase an immediate promotion back to the Premier League.

Saints boss Martin said: “My message is probably different to the party line but it’s go away.

“I spoke to Kyle. I know his agent really well.

“There has been no conversation about wanting to leave.

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“He’s in such a good place. It would take a lot of money to prise him away. He is happy here.

“I love working with the players so I want to keep them all.

“What they have given and where they have come from is beautiful.”

Walker-Peters joined Southampton from Tottenham in 2020 and has racked up more than 130 appearances for Saints.

He was the most high-profile star to stay put at St Mary’s following relegation last season.

The former Under-20 World Cup winner has been an everpresent under Martin, playing 90 minutes in all 27 matches predominantly at right-back but also on the left and the wing.

After a slow start, Southampton sit third in the Championship table, ten points off leaders Leicester and three behind Ipswich.

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Mauricio Pochettino is keen to bring in extra cover at full-back[/caption]