CHELSEA have reportedly highlighted Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico as an alternative to Ben Chilwell after Leicester slapped an £80million price tag on the England ace.
Frank Lampard has made a left-back one of his priorities this summer with Chilwell top of their wishlist but the Blues are believed to have baulked at the fee.
Chelsea have highlighted Nicolas Tagliafico as an alternative to Ben Chilwell
The Blues were said to be confident of landing Chilwell but the Foxes are determined to secure the same £80m fee Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire.
Tagliafico only joined Ajax in January 2018 but has since become one of the best left-backs in Europe.
The Argentine international has played 38 games in all competitions for the Dutch champions this season, bagging five goals and seven assists in the process.
And the Blues have added him to a list of Chilwell alternatives as Lampard searches for a replacement for Emerson in the next transfer window, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.
The 27-year-old is said to be one of several players Chelsea are keeping tabs on with Tagliafico said to be the cheapest option.
Ajax’s big wigs have a positive relationship with the Blues’ hierarchy after the deal to take Hakim Ziyech to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have put Leicester’s Ben Chilwell at the top of their wanted listCredit: Rex Features
The Foxes are under no pressure to sell Chilwell, as they currently sit third in the league, one place above Chelsea and on course to qualify for the Champions League.
It is understood Leicester have a strict policy of allowing only one key player to leave the club each year, a rule that helps keep stability in the squad.
And with playmaker James Maddison also in demand, Chelsea could be forced to pay the inflated price for Chilwell.
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta has regularly switched flanks this season with left-back duo Marcos Alonso and Emerson suffering injuries and inconsistent performances throughout the campaign.
Italy boss Roberto Mancini urged Emerson to leave Stamford Bridge in order to gain more regular football.
And Alonso is wanted by ex-manager Antonio Conte at Inter Milan, with his Premier League winning team-mate Victor Moses currently on loan at the San Siro.
Lampard also has Porto’s Porto’s Alex Telles and Getafe’s Marc Cucurella as alternatives should he fail in pursuit of Chilwell.
If Chelsea stump up £80m for Chilwell, it would be a record fee – with Manchester City’s Kyle Walker currently the most expensive full-back at £50m.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
