Drinkwater has been earmarked as a target by Chelsea, with Antonio Conte eager to make more additions to his squad before next Thursday’s 11pm deadline.
Despite signing Tiemoue Bakayoko as a replacement for Nemanja Matic, who joined Manchester United, Conte is of the belief that his side need to make more additions to make themselves more competitive.
Recent reports have suggested the Blues will launch a £32million bid for Drinkwater, although the Foxes are holding out for £40m.
Other reports have emerged suggesting Conte doesn’t want Drinkwater or Everton’s Ross Barkley and would prefer to sign Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
And Sharpe of the Leicester Mercury claims the Foxes are relaxed about the situation, although they are worried he might have his head turned by the speculation.
“They are trying to keep him. They don’t feel any offer so far is worthy of the disruption losing Drinkwater would cause,” Sharpe told Football.London.
“They are quite relaxed about it as he has four years left on his contract and therefore would command a sizable fee.
“He is a Premier League winner and an England international after all.
“I think there is some concern that Drinkwater may be unsettled by the speculation so they are looking forward to the close of the window.”
Sharpe also believes that Drinkwater would complement Chelsea’s style of play were he to make the switch.
He added: “Although he plays for a side that likes to counter attack and doesn’t dominate possession, he would be suited in a side like Chelsea that will have plenty of the ball.
“He is comfortable receiving possession in tight places and would suit Chelsea’s style.”