BREAKING: Chelsea sign new contract with 20-year-old Reece James until 2025

Reece James has signed a new long-term contract at Chelsea Football Club that commits him to Stamford Bridge until at least the summer of 2025.

The defender, who turned 20 last month, has made 18 appearances for the Blues this season, scoring on his debut in Chelsea's EFL Cup victory against Grimsby Town.

On signing his new five-and-a-half-year deal, the defender said: ‘It has been my dream to be here at Chelsea and play week in week out and to have a contract for another five-and-a-half years is living the dream again.

‘I have always wanted to be here and another five-and-a-half years means a lot to me and a lot to my family.’

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: ‘The smooth way Reece has fitted into the team so quickly despite missing the start of the season has been clear for everyone to see, and the fact another exciting young player is part of the future of the club is a result of great work by our Academy, our loans department, our new coaching staff and of course the player himself.

‘Reece started his football education with us at the age of six and his performances on loan at Wigan last season paved the way for a strong beginning to his career in the Chelsea team. We are very pleased he now has the perfect opportunity to build on that and become a major player for us for many years to come.’