Chelsea have set an asking price of £25million for Marcos Alonso as they continue their pursuit of Manchester City left-back Ben Chilwell, according to reports. The Blues seem to be prepared to let the Spanish defender leave for the right price in the January transfer window.
Alonso is free to leave Chelsea in the January transfer window, as Frank Lampard looks to build up funds for a move for Chilwell.
The Spanish defender has barely played for the Blues recently, with Lampard favouring Emerson instead.
Alonso has only played once in the last 11 Premier League games for Chelsea, and didn’t feature in either of the last two Champions League ties.
The Spaniard has spent nearly four years at Stamford Bridge, but is now deemed surplus to requirements.
JUST IN: Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd eye £50m transfer this week, Liverpool exit, Arsenal, Chelsea
Express Sport understands left-back Chilwell is Lampard’s top target while both Tottenham and Manchester City have also been linked.
The youngster has emerged as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, and has been ever-present for the title-challenging Foxes this season.
And Lampard wants to bring him in as a replacement for Alonso as the Blues continue their push for a top four finish.
However, despite Chelsea’s interest, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers insists he will not be going anywhere in the current window.
“There will be no-one leaving in January. Categorically,” he said. “No [I’ve not spoken with the board] but I’m sure if we speak that will be the case as well.
“I speak regularly on with Jon [Rudkin, director of football] and Top but I haven’t spoken them today on that.
“It’s pretty clear we want to keep this squad together, a very exciting team with a lot of growth and development in it, so we want to ensure they stay around beyond January.”
That statement from Rodgers will also be bad news for Manchester United, who are said to have bid £45m and Jesse Lingard for James Maddison.
United are desperate to bring in the playmaker during the January transfer window, and are willing to let Lingard leave as a makeweight.
Rodgers, however, is adamant that Maddison will be staying, as he indicated the star is in talks over a new contract.
“James is a very talented player and he will be here in January and beyond,” he said.
He’s a player we’re keen to remain here and help us on this journey over the next years.
“James and his representatives are speaking with the club. These things take time but his level has not dropped. He is playing at a high level.”