It looks more and more likely with each day that Ben Chilwell will not be wearing a Leicester City shirt come the start of the 2020/21 season.
The Foxes academy graduate has been linked with a move to Chelsea all summer and with reports of a world record fee for a left-back being all but confirmed for the England international, it seems that Brendan Rodgers may well have to dip into the market to replace the 23-year-old.
What we know so far
As it stands, there has been no official confirmation of an agreement being struck between the East Midlanders and Frank Lampard's men but it feels like it will only be a matter of time before a move is complete.
Reports at the weekend - albeit not from reliable sources - have suggested that Chilwell has already cleared his belongings from the Leicester training ground and that he is likely to be in West London next week for a medical and to finalise the final stages of a move which will see the Foxes secure another large fee for one of their prized assets.
Chilwell has been on the radar of Chelsea for sometime and with Lampard a clear admirer, it looks to be inevitable that he will be getting his man in a move that will see Chelsea's backline significantly improve after a season where at times they have been highlighted for their struggles defensively - conceding the highest amount of goals (54) in the top-half of the Premier League last season.
Ready-made replacement already at Leicester?
Should Chilwell depart the King Power Stadium there may will be a chance that Rodgers chooses not to bring in a left-back and put faith in what he already has.
Another fellow Leicester academy graduate Luke Thomas deputised for Chilwell in the final three games of the season whilst he sat out with injury and didn't look out of place.
The 19-year-old impressed on his senior debut against Sheffield United, assisting Ayoze Perez for the opening goal, whilst also producing solid performances against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to leave some Foxes fans wondering if they had already found the perfect replacement.
Aside from yet another promising Leicester youngster in Thomas, there is also the option of an experienced head in Christian Fuchs.
The fan-favourite was instrumental during the title-winning 2015/16 campaign and with a Europa League campaign to contend with next season, the Austrian's experience could be seen as vital by Rodgers and even at 34, still seems capable of playing a run of games when called upon.
Who are Leicester interested in?
Although the Northern Irishman has the option of Thomas and Fuchs, it is expected that Rodgers will sign a replacement left-back option and promote Thomas to the role of second-choice.
Several names have been floated around however the two names that seem to be making the most appearances are Jamal Lewis of Norwich City and as recent as today, Timothy Castagne of Atalanta.
Lewis almost made a move to Liverpool earlier this window, however they chose to opt for Kostas Tsimikas from Greek side Olympiacos after failing to agree a fee with Norwich, and would fit the target of Leicester signing younger players and helping to develop them into consistent performers.
The club also have a good relationship with Norwich after signing James Maddison which could prove in their favour should they choose to make a move for the 22-year-old.
Castagne meanwhile is a more recent link with David Amoyal stating that the Foxes were looking at the Belgian alongside French champions PSG after playing his part in taking Atalanta to the Quarter-Finals of the Champions League.
Other names have been linked with the likes of Nicolas Tagliafico of Ajax and Alex Telles of FC Porto also being touted for a potential move to the East Midlands, however they are likely to face competition from Champions League clubs for their signature, who they may see as a more viable option.
