Transfer Talk: Blues step up hunt for Foxes star Fofana

Chelsea will go all out to land Leicester defender Wesley Fofana — even though the Foxes are demanding an eye-watering £85million.

The 21-year-old Frenchman featured in seven of his side’s final 11 Premier League fixtures last term having missed the rest of the campaign due to a horrific pre-season leg break.

And having impressed in those outings, the Blues are ready to offer the youngster a £200,000-per-week deal to swap the King Power Stadium for Stamford Bridge, say the Daily Mail.

Before they can enter negotiations with Fofana, they must strike an agreement with his club, who appear in no mood to let a key asset depart on the cheap.

Boss Brendan Rodgers has already admitted the Foxes need to sell before they buy this summer but the Northern Irishman considers Fofana one of his top talents.

Asked about his availability earlier this week, Rodgers said: "No, he's not for sale. 

"When we looked at him he had made 17 league starts. Everyone had a look at him back then but he’s come here, really flourished and developed, not just as a player but as a young man.

"He's maybe got an opportunity to get himself in the France squad for the World Cup and for that it's about playing, so I'm pretty calm on it. I've had long chats with him.

"He can't stop the speculation but he's very concentrated on his work here and very focused on his development."

French outlet L’Equipe suggested last night that Chelsea's opening offer of £62m had been swiftly rejected.

Yet with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel favouring a back three, bringing another central defender to West London as quickly as possible appears to be the Blues' top priority.

They have already captured Kalidou Koulibaly, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Slonina this summer, while rumours of a move for Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong continue to gather pace.

In other news

Newly-promoted Bournemouth are closing in on a deal for 33-year-old Barcelona goalkeeper Neto, claim the Telegraph.

Nottingham Forest are set to make Willem II striker Jizz Hornkamp their next signing of the summer, according to the the Athletic.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that Tottenham have opened talks with Udinese full-back Destiny Udogie, though the 19-year-old could be loaned straight back to Serie A if a deal is struck.