Chelsea and Leicester close to agreeing deal for defender Ben Chilwell
Chelsea are nearing the signing of Leicester defender Ben Chilwell with the two clubs close to agreeing a deal.
The England international has been Frank Lampard's number one target for the left-back position and various reports say that a deal is likely to be completed next week.
Talks between the two clubs over the 23-year-old have been under way for some time with the Blues targeting a number of new recruits in the transfer window.
Leicester have been holding out for £80million, the same fee Manchester United paid to sign Harry Maguire last summer, while Chelsea are hoping to have that figure reduced in a structured deal.
Chilwell, who has spent his entire career with the Foxes, is said to be keen on the move.
However, despite a deal appearing close, Leicester are under no pressure to sell with Chilwell's current contract running until 2024.
The prospect of Champions League football has made the left-back want the move, according to reports, after Chelsea secured a top-four spot on the final day of last season.
Chelsea have already been busy as they prepare for the 2020/21 season with the signings of Hakim Ziyech from Ajax and forward Timo Werner from RB Leipzig.
The Blues are also pushing for a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for star Kai Havertz.
The 21-year-old scored eight goals and contributed a further nine assists in all competitions for Leverkusen last season. Primarily an attacking midfielder, Havertz can also play on the wing or in a striker role.
Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk was also said to be a target for Lampard, but the Seagulls captain signed a new contract last week which keeps him at the Amex until 2025.
Left-back Emerson Palmieri, who has made 55 appearances for Chelsea since signing in January 2018, is expected to make way for Chilwell.
Palmieri has been linked with a return to Italy and Inter, who have looked to the Premier League for recruits in recent windows, are keen on a move.
Chelsea are fourth-favourites at 14/1 with Sky Bet to win the Premier League title next season.
Odds correct at 1250 BST (22/08/20)
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