Chelsea have emerged as frontrunners for Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell.

The Blues have identified Chilwell as a key target for when they are given the green light to buy again.

They could make a push to try and sign the 22 year-old England defender as early as January if they are cleared to make signings.

Chelsea have emerged as frontrunners for Leicester and England left-back Ben Chilwell

The Blues have identified him as a key target for when they are cleared to buy players again

Chelsea are currently halfway through the two-window ban they received for breaching FIFA rules on signing youth players. They were also fined £460,000.

They are awaiting an appeal date from the Court of Arbitration for Sport after calling for their punishment to be overturned or reduced.

City were previously keen on Chilwell who is tied to Leicester until 2024 after signing a new contract a year ago.

They wanted Chilwell as a long-term solution to their left-back problem due to the injury problems that dogged the player they hoped would be the answer, Benjamin Mendy.

Manchester City were previously keen on Chilwell who is tied down at Leicester until 2024

But they had a change of heart over spending big on a left-back so they could divert funds elsewhere, clearing the way for Chelsea to move for Chilwell.

City instead triggered a £5.3m buy-back clause to re-sign Angelino from PSV Eindhoven to strengthen the position.

Versatile summer signing Joao Cancelo has also featured at left-back this season for Pep Guardiola’s side along with Oleksandr Zinchenko.