Leicester reject Chelsea’s opening £60m offer for French centre-back Wesley Fofana

Chelsea have had an opening £60m offer for Wesley Fofana rejected – but Leicester fear the Londoners are willing to go beyond the £80m world record fee for a defender in order to land the Frenchman.

Chelsea, who have persuaded captain Cesar Azpilicueta so sign a new two-year contract, have firmed up their interest with an approach for Fofana who currently tops their list of centre-back targets and are also working to bring in a new striker with former Arsenal man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang one name in the frame.

Leicester have knocked back Chelsea’s offer, with boss Brendan Rodgers insisting three times on Monday that Fofana was not for sale. The Leicester boss has held talks with his star centre-back amid the Blues’ interest.

Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel have firmed up their interest with an approach for Fofana

Though Sportsmail understands that despite the public defiance there are internal concerns held by some at Leicester that a bid for Fofana in excess of the £80m Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire would prove too good to turn down.

Chelsea are weighing up their next move with an improved offer expected in the knowledge that Fofana wants to join them.

And they remain hopeful that a compromise can be reached amid their determination to land the 21-year-old.

Leicester need to sell players this summer to fund Rodgers’ spending plans, and their next set of accounts is set to show a significant loss. 

Leicester fear Blues are willing to go beyond the £80m world record fee Man United paid for Harry Maguire

Blues also want a new striker and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one name in the…