Report: Chelsea launch talks with Leicester's Chilwell

Chelsea have begun discussions with Leicester City's Ben Chilwell over a summer switch to Stamford Bridge, according to a report from The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano.

Chilwell, 23, has been strongly linked with Chelsea as Blues boss Frank Lampard looks to bolster the left-back position that was shared by Marcos Alonso and Emerson during the 2019-20 season.

In late-May, reports surfaced suggesting Chelsea could opt for Ajax's Nicolas Tagliafico as a cheaper alternative to Chilwell, with Leicester wanting no less than £40 million for the England international.

According to Romano, Tagliafico remains an option for Chelsea should an advance for Chilwell collapse.

Chilwell, who appeared in 23 league outings this season prior to the suspension of play in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic, penned a long-term deal with Leicester that lapses in summer 2024.

The 11-time capped Three Lions standout marks one of several targets as part of Lampard's opulent squad overhaul. Ajax's Hakim Ziyech agreed to a £37-million deal in February, and on Thursday, reports linked the west London side with the £49-million signing of RB Leipzig star Timo Werner.