Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta is being lined up for a return to LaLiga.

Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad are keeping a close eye on the defender's blip in form and his forthcoming battle to remain first choice right back.

New Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is fast-tracking academy full back Reece James back to fitness after ankle surgery in the summer.

He may even be ready to play some part in the next Premier League game - at Wolves on Saturday week, says The Sun.

That will put added pressure on long-serving Azpilicueta who has been at Chelsea for seven years and is the club captain.

Bilbao and Real Sociedad are optimistic they will be able to persuade Azpilicueta to cut his losses and return back to the Basque region of Spain where he was born.