Chelsea and Manchester United are both closely monitoring Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana, according to reports.
Thomas Tuchel's side have been long-term admirers of the France international but their interest was cooled last summer after Fofana fractured his fibula last August in a pre-season friendly against Villarreal following a nasty tackle by Fer Nino.
Fofana, 21, made his return in March against Stade Rennais in the Conference League, as well as playing seven of their final 11 Premier League matches of the 2021/22 season.
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He is now the subject of interest once again this summer with both Chelsea and Erik ten Hag's United side both interested in the 21-year-old, according to RMC Sport.
His contract expires in 2027 after he penned a two-year contact extension back in March to deter any interested clubs.
At the time, he said: “I’m really happy to sign a new contract. It shows the Club have confidence in me offering me a contract to 2027. I’m really happy to be here. It’s my Club, I love the fans, so I’m really happy and really looking forward to being back playing.
“I love everything about the Club. I love the city, I love the fans. It’s a family which is what I love the most. Everyone is close and gets on well. We also have a great team and are continuing to progress, with a desire to win more trophies. That’s why I have committed my future to the Club until 2027. I want to achieve more with the Club. There is a lot of talent here and still a lot more we can do together.”
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Despite his long-term commitment to the Foxes, interest remains but a hefty fee will be needed to convince Leicester of parting ways with the defender. They want at least €80m for Fofana, a fee Chelsea are unlikely to pay given their pursuit of Sevilla's Jules Kounde.
Chelsea have lost Antonio Rudiger already, Andreas Christensen is set to leave, while Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso's futures are yet to be decided.
It's a defensive rebuild for Tuchel, who is set to be given £200m by the new owners this summer, and many defensive named have already been linked. Josko Gvardiol, Milan Skriniar, Matthijs de Ligt join Kounde on the list of potential options.
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Whoever Tuchel wants this summer, Todd Boehly and co will be their to back him as best as they can. That's the promise that has been made. It's now time for them to deliver.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Leicester City, Wesley Fofana, Football
Matthew Debono