Leicester are bracing themselves for Ben Chilwell’s departure to Chelsea next summer and have identified Ryan Bertrand of Southampton as a potential replacement.

As reported by Sportsmail in October, Chelsea were considering bringing a move for Chilwell forward to January.

But their plans to strengthen at left back have been delayed as the Blues prioritise bringing in a striker this month.

Leicester are considering a bid to sign Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand

That has given Leicester more time to draw up contingency plans and Bertrand would represent an experienced, quality replacement for Chilwell, 23, whose Leicester contract runs until 2024.

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers was a youth coach at Chelsea during Bertrand’s time in their academy.

Bertrand then spent a year on loan at Reading under Rodgers, who was also keen on a reunion when he was Liverpool boss.

Bertrand, 30, who has 19 England caps and less than 18 months left on his Saints contract, looks set to be a man in demand.

Chelsea have tracked Ben Chilwell since October and had contemplated a bid this month

Inter Milan are monitoring Bertrand’s situation, with manager Antonio Conte a long-standing admirer.

Conte signed Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez last summer and also wants Christian Eriksen and Olivier Giroud.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is keeping an eye on Bertrand, who made 57 appearances for Chelsea and still lives near their training ground, in case he finds himself needing two left backs.