BRENDAN RODGERS has warned Chelsea to put up or shut up over their pursuit of Wesley Fofana.
And says he has told the 21-year-old French defender he would benefit from having another season with Leicester City.
Thomas Tuchel has targeted Fofana as the long-term answer to his defensive problems after losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer.
However the Foxes have rejected Chelsea’s first two offers of £60million and £70million for their outstanding prospect and are believed to be holding out for a world record fee in excess of £80million for the jewel in their crown.
Chelsea are weighing up whether to launch a third and final bid but Rodgers revealed he wasn’t aware of any fresh bids ahead of Saturday’s visit to Arsenal.
Rodgers said: “I’m not aware of any fresh offers.
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“There were two bids but again nowhere near what the club would even think about.
“The point again to reiterate is we are not looking to sell Wesley, that’s the key point.
“I’ve had a chat with him and told him another year here for him, at least, would be really important for his development.
“He is quite calm and relaxed about the situation.
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“He is aware of the interest. He understands where we are as a club and where we see him.
“He’s just getting on with his work and training well.”
While stressing Fofana isn’t for sale, Rodgers gave Chelsea a chink of light when he admitted it was natural for any club to consider bids – but warned time is running out for Leicester to find a suitable replacement.
He said: “He’s not a player we are actively looking to move on but naturally if there is interest from other clubs then of course that is looked at by the club.
“He’s a top young defender and there are not too many about at his age. He’s someone we’d love to keep here but we have to wait and see what develops.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
