CHELSEA FACE BEN CHILWELL TRANSFER PROBLEM AS LEICESTER NAME PRICE

Chelsea face a problem in their pursuit of Ben Chilwell in this summer's transfer window, with Leicester expected to play hardball over the fee for the defender.

Chilwell has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer as Chelsea boss Frank Lampard continues to build a young side bursting with potential.

England left-back Chilwell, 23, has played a big part in Leicester's rise to third place in the Premier League, and has four years remaining on his contract with the Foxes.

So Leicester won't let him go lightly - just as they didn't when Manchester United swooped for centre-back Harry Maguire last summer.

The Foxes eventually sold Maguire to United for £80million - a world-record fee for a defender - and are expected to demand a similar amount for Chilwell, according to Goal.

Leicester are in a strong position financially, and will be even more so if they qualify for next season's Champions League, so will be under no pressure to sell Chilwell on the cheap.

But Chelsea have other left-back targets in mind in case Chilwell's price tag proves too much.

They have been linked with Porto's Alex Telles and Getafe's Marc Cucurella - both of whom are likely to prove cheaper options - although Chilwell is believed to be their number one target for the position.

Telles reportedly has a £36m release clause and this summer will enter the final year his contract with the Portguese league leaders.

Cucurella is on loan at Getafe from Barcelona, and it is believed he could be available for around £23m this summer.

Chelsea would need to sell one of their current left-backs Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso if they are to bring in a new signing in the position this summer.