Liverpool have been urged to pursue the audacious signing of Chelsea captain Reece James to upgrade Arne Slot’s defensive options.

Injury problems have plagued James in recent campaigns, but he has looked back to his very best this season under both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.

The 26-year-old is currently recovering from a hamstring injury and is back running on the grass, but despite the recent setback there is no questioning that James has been one of Chelsea’s standout players this term.

Such performances saw James rewarded with a new contract until 2032 last month, but there remains an air of uncertainty over the long-term future of several key Chelsea players in the wake of comments by Enzo Fernandes and Marc Cucurella.

Both players questioned the club’s decision to sack Maresca and its transfer policy, while Fernandez appeared to publicly court a move to Real Madrid.

And former Blues full-back Glen Johnson believes Arne Slot’s side should try to capitalise on that uncertainty and lure James away from the Chelsea project to Anfield in the summer.

‘To be honest, given how versatile Reece James is, I think he’d suit anyone,’ Johnson told Boyle Sports.

‘Because in terms of...