LEICESTER have lined up Monaco defender Fode Ballo-Toure to replace Ben Chilwell.
Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers wants the 23-year-old after England left-back Chilwell left for Chelsea in a £50million deal.
Leicester are set to win the race for Man Utd target Fode Ballo-Toure
The Blues themselves previously had eyes on Ballo-Toure, who shone with Ligue 1 Monaco last season.
Manchester United were also among the Paris-born defender’s admirers.
Reports in France now claim Leicester officials have begun talks for the eight-cap former France Under-21 international.
Monaco are said to want £18m for Ballo-Toure – a fee well within the King Power club’s grasp following Chilwell’s sale.
And the Monte Carlo club has already secured a replacement for him in Atletico Madrid’s Brazilian left-back Caio Henrique, 23.
Ballo-Toure is under contract until 2023. He came through Paris Saint-Germain’s reserve side before making his name with Lille.
Monaco paid £10m for him in January 2019.
Leicester flop Islam Slimani is meanwhile wanted by Fiorentina.
Ballo-Toure is set to arrive as a replacement for Ben Chilwell after his £50m Chelsea move
The Serie A club has reportedly offered £4.5m for the striker, who has a year left on his contract.
The Algeria international spent last season on loan to Monaco following similar spells at Newcastle and Turks Fenerbahce.
Rennes and Marseille also hope to land 32-year-old Slimani, who cost the Foxes £28m from Sporting Lisbon in 2016.
Chelsea confirm £50m Ben Chilwell transfer from Leicester City as he becomes Frank Lampard’s third addition to squad
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
