Chelsea fullback Reece James has put his hand up for the club captaincy.

Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino needs to name a new captain after Cesar Azpilicueta's departure for Atletico Madrid.

James said today from their US preseason tour: "Of course, I have been at Chelsea my whole life and something I have always dreamt of. When the time is right hopefully it happens.

"Everyone has a different way of being a leader. Some speak, some show their actions. I could do both. I try to help my team as much as I can and I will definitely be one to help them where I can.

"It is going to be a tough season. last season was the toughest I have experienced. We are moving in the right direction, it was very difficult last season because there was lots of change, some players didn't want to be there because they weren't playing.

"We are onto a new page. It is definitely [a clean slate]. Since the new staff and the manager has come in the energy has changed and it has been a very atmosphere. You could see that in our recent performances."