Chelsea target hands in transfer request to force Leicester exit

 

Danny Drinkwater has handed in a transfer request in order to force through a move to Chelsea from Leicester City, according to ESPN. 

 

The Blues have been monitoring the England international for some time now as head coach Antonio Conte strives to improve his midfield options. 

 

Drinkwater is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, though Leicester are reluctant to allow the 27-year-old to leave for the champions. 

 

Indeed, the Foxes insist it would take an “exceptional offer” for them to sell Drinkwater to the Blues before Thursday’s deadline. 

 

 

The two teams are in talks over a fee for a move that would see Drinkwater link up with N’Golo Kante once more after the duo played a key role in Leicester’s 2015/16 title triumph. 

 

Chelsea are willing to spend £30m on Drinkwater, but Leicester are holding out for closer to £40m if they are to sell one of their key players in the coming hours.