
Chelsea
are close to agreeing a deal with Leicester for left-back Ben Chilwell.
Progress has been made in talks for Frank Lampard's No 1 left-back target
and although nothing has been signed yet, a deal is expected to be completed
early next week.
Leicester showed last summer they will not let their players leave for
anything less than big money when Manchester United had to pay £80m for
Harry Maguire.
The Foxes are under no pressure to sell because Chilwell is under contract
until 2024 but the situation could change if he asks to leave.
Chilwell is understood to be keen on the move and the opportunity for
Champions League football with Chelsea.
Chelsea and Manchester United leapfrogged Leicester in the final games of
the season to secure their places in Europe's premier club competition in
the new season.
It again shows the pulling power of Lampard, who has already recruited Hakim
Ziyech from Ajax and Timo Werner from RB Leipzig.
Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz - one of Europe's most sought-after prospects
- is also expected to make the move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea's rebuilding is also likely to see a number of first-team players
depart in this transfer window.
Left-back Emerson Palmieri could make room for Chilwell with Inter Milan
reportedly interested in the Italian.