Reece James says 23-year-old attacker who Chelsea want to sign is one of the best players he’s ever faced

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Reece James has claimed in a Twitter Q&A that AC Milan’s Rafael Leao is one of the three toughest wingers he has ever faced.

Chelsea are reportedly still looking at completing a deal for the 23-year-old, after making their first attempts this summer.

Blues fans are currently getting a viewing of their potential new star in the World Cup for Portugal.

He got his tournament off to the perfect start with a goal that saw his nation beat Ghana 3-2.

The result sent them on their way to confirming qualification, after they ran out 2-0 winners over Uruguay in their second group game.

However, supporters will have already had a close-up of the winger in action, when Chelsea faced Milan in a crucial set of Champions League matches.

James rates Leao highly

While Leao certainly showed he has potential, he was met by two sensational performances by James, the last being his most recent showing before he was injured.

Despite winning the battle, James has now said he is one of the toughest opponents he has ever come up against.

He said: “3 hardest players I’ve ever played against are all left wingers! Vinicius Jr, Leao and Mane!”

James will currently be gutted he doesn’t have the opportunity to do battle again with any of the wingers mentioned at the World Cup.

The injury suffered at the San Siro ruled him out of the tournament, despite him being personally confident that he would be fit to feature.

Leao meanwhile is currently in limbo over signing a new contact with the Serie A champions.

If he refuses to extend his stay in Milan, a move to Chelsea is a very realistic option, and would completely revolutionised Graham Potter’s attack on the left-hand-side.

His goal record would also hopefully address the scoring issues that currently roam around the attack.