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The 20-year-old is capable of operating in full-back or midfield, with the Blues looking to make the most of the qualities he adds to his squad.
Reece James acknowledges that his versatility has helped him make a breakthrough at Chelsea, but the 20-year-old is looking to land a regular role on the right-back.
Frank Lampard has opened the door to several academy graduates at Stamford Bridge in the 2019-20 campaign.
Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori have seen regular playing time for the Blues, while gaining international recognition with England.
James has yet to take that step, amid competition from people like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but has had 26 appearances for Chelsea.
Those departures came after a productive loan period in Wigan in 2019-20 that saw the young man thrive on a role in midfield.
Lampard has tried to use him in a more defensive position this season, but he has the option of pushing a highly-rated young man further up the field if necessary.
James is pleased to have more than one string in his bow, but is prepared to choose a preferred position.
He said Sky Sports: “You probably prefer the right back, but there isn’t much on it.
“I will happily play right back and midfielder. I have played there long enough to feel comfortable playing that position as well.”
James is happy to see competitive minutes at this stage in his career, with the London native and childhood Chelsea fan aware that he is still on a steep learning curve.
Lampard’s faith has allowed him to unlock more of this term, with England international U21 delighted to have won a prominent place in the Premier League heavyweight plans.
He added about his efforts to date: “This season started slowly, because I was injured at the beginning.
“But, when I found my rhythm and the season continued, I think my performances have recovered.”
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“I think it’s great that a lot of the players that I played with at the academy are now in the first team as well.”
“I think it shows how hard the academy works and the effort they put into producing good players.”
Chelsea entered the coronavirus-forced blockade and sat within the top four in the Premier League, still fighting for a place in the Champions League quarterfinals and all the way to the final eight of the FA Cup.
