Manchester City ‘join Chelsea in the race for Leicester defender Ben Chilwell’

Manchester City have joined Chelsea in the race to sign Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell, according to The Telegraph.

Blues boss Frank Lampard is keen on signing the 23-year-old but Pep Guardiola could be set to rival the west London club once the transfer window reopens this summer.

Guardiola has played Benjamin Mendy the most at left-back, with Oleksandr Zinchenko also filling in, but the Spaniard is keen to strengthen the position with the capture of Chilwell.

Manchester City are reportedly eyeing up a move for Leicester star Ben Chilwell (pictured)

Pep Guardiola (right) would be willing to compete with Frank Lampard (left) for his signature

However, the Foxes are said to value Chilwell higher than they did Harry Maguire, who was sold to Manchester United for £80million last summer. 

Leicester want around £85m for their academy product, although reports have suggested that Chelsea believe the coronavirus crisis will help lower his price-tag this summer.

The report goes on to suggest that while City are often reluctant to make record-breaking deals like their rivals, they would be willing to compete in the market for England star Chilwell.

Guardiola plays Benjamin Mendy (left) at left-back while Oleksandr Zinchenko often fills in

Their current record signing is Rodri, who arrived from Atletico Madrid for £63.3m last summer, and City cooled their interest in Maguire after his asking price rose.

The Mirror claimed earlier this week that Chilwell has not yet told Leicester that he wants to leave, with Brendan Rodgers’ side looking to seal a Champions League spot. 

If Rodgers is able to secure a top-four finish this season – Leicester are currently third in the table, five points above Chelsea but four behind City – it may strengthen his hopes of keeping Chilwell for another season.