Liverpool summer target Ben Chilwell could be set to sign a new contract with Leicester City, spurning the Reds’ advances.
The 19-year-old left-back was subject of a £7 million bid earlier in the summer, but Leicester rebuffed Liverpool’s advances, valuing Chilwell at closer to £10 million.
Pulling out of negotiations for the time being as a result, the Reds clearly felt it was too much for a teenager in the final year of his contract.
Jurgen Klopp was believed to be planning a renewed bid next summer on the expiry of Chilwell’s deal with the Foxes, ensuring compensation would be stipulated by tribunal.
But now, according to ESPN FC, Chilwell is poised to sign a new deal with the East Midlands club.
Having qualified for the Champions League for 2016/17, Claudio Ranieri’s side will require more options, allowing the Italian the freedom to rotate—particularly for domestic cup games.
Chilwell is unlikely to displace first-choice left-back Christian Fuchs, but could see more game time at the King Power Stadium as a result.
For Liverpool, this comes as a bitter blow, though Klopp is believed to be willing to head into the new season with Alberto Moreno and Brad Smith as his options for the role.
However, if the prospect of signing Chilwell even next summer fades, the German could still dip into the market.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Aston Villa‘s Jordan Amavi this week by French publication Le Parisien, with the club having even reportedly met with the 22-year-old’s agent in June.
Hull City‘s Andrew Robertson has been suggested as another possible target, while new signing Ragnar Klavan has experience of performing the role.
Klopp also has the versatile Jon Flanagan in his ranks, but the local lad is currently mulling over a proposed season-long loan to Burnley.
Supporters will no doubt call for a top-class left-back to be brought in, with concerns over Klopp’s lack of emphasis on the long-term problem position.
If Chilwell signs a new contract with Leicester, he may be forced into action this summer.
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