Chelsea transfer news: Blues starlet Reece James joins Championship side Wigan on season-long loan d

WIGAN have replaced Reece James... with Reece James!

The Latics have signed teenage right-back James on a season-long loan from Chelsea, after axing his 24-year-old namesake following three years of service.

The England youth international helped the Young Lions win the Under-19 European Championship last year, as well as the recent Toulon tournament.

James, 18, was also crowned as the Blues' Academy Player of the Year for the 2017/18 season, after starring for the West London side.

He helped the club win the FA Youth Cup, as well being part of the squad that won the U18 Premier League title and League Cup.

Speaking of his signing, Wigan boss Paul Cook lauded the talents of the youngster, stressing that he will be a major benefit for the reigning League One champions.

He told the club's website: "Reece is a really exciting young player and we are delighted to get him here to Wigan Athletic for his first loan away from Chelsea.

“In my time with the club, right back is an area we have been short at times and competition is really healthy for the squad.

"To get Reece in to compete in that area is good for us.”

His arrival at the DW Stadium has caused quite the stir on social media, with many commenting on how the 2013 FA Cup winners will save money on James' locker ID and car park space.

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Here are some tweets from fans commenting on Wigan's latest signing.

Wigan Athletic replace full-back Reece James in the squad with full-back Reece James...thus saving money on shirt printing/locker ID/car-park space... Martin Lewis levels of mingebagging! #wafc pic.twitter.com/FgW9OFRTmW

Latics have confirmed the signing of full-back Reece James from Chelsea on a season-long loan. Not to be confirmed with the full-back Reece James they've just released. #wafc pic.twitter.com/s2pX0GYaUL

Same!! Release full back Reece James. Sign full back Reece James 🤯

Wigan have signed @Chelsea academy player of the year Reece James on season-long loan. Helped club to win FA Youth Cup last season and was in England U19 squad that won the Euros.

Is the other Reece James still a free agent? Has to be worth signing him just so we can have a Reece James on both flanks

So one Reece James out and one Reece James in 😂 #wafc

Reece James has changed his style a bit

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