‘A big club’ - Leicester City star targeted by Chelsea speaks out amid bid claims

Chelsea transfer target Wesley Fofana has spoken of his admiration for Leicester City as Thomas Tuchel considers a new move for the Foxes defender.

The French centre-back joined Brendan Rodgers’ side from Saint-Etienne in a £36.5million move in October 2020 and adapted quickly to life in the Premier League.

A broken leg suffered in a pre-season friendly against Villarreal just weeks before last season ruled him out until March - but the 21-year-old star is back to full fitness and started for the Foxes in the Premier League opener against Brentford on Sunday.

Fofana has five years remaining on his current deal at the King Power Stadium but that has not prevented Chelsea showing a serious interest in taking the defender to Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel has already added Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly and Brighton and Hove Albion left-back Marc Curcurella to his defensive ranks during the summer transfer window and both players made their debuts in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Everton.

Tuchel expressed his determination to add further new faces to his ranks over the remainder of the transfer window as he spoke in the aftermath of the win at Goodison Park.

He said: “If we can add, we will add. Maybe not necessarily midfielders as a first option but we are open for everything.

“I hope to use new energy and fresh input to take us to a new level. I think we could use some more input and some more quality.”

Fofana remains a possible target as Tuchel looks to continue putting his own stamp on the Blues squad.

Leicester are believed to want a world record fee for their highly-rated centre-back - although the latest comments made by the defender suggests he would be happy to remain at the King Power Stadium.

He told the Telegraph: Leicester is a family and I have felt that from the first day. I have always felt like a native of Leicester.

“It’s a big club and an institution but everyone has time for each other and understands. We are all brothers, sisters and cousins.”