Chelsea deal for £85m star 'increasingly advanced' at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea’s proposed deal for Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana is ‘increasingly advanced’ but still ‘in the balance’, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

The highly-rated 21-year-old has been on the west London outfit’s radar for several weeks now and appears to be closing in on a big-money move with deadline day fast approaching.

A recent report from The Guardian revealed that Chelsea are aware it is likely to take up to £85 million to prise Fofana away from Leicester after seeing their opening two offers rejected.

However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the France Under-21 international has already agreed personal terms with the Blues ahead of a potential deal being struck.

Fofana was left out of the matchday squad for Leicester’s recent 2-1 home defeat to Southampton with Brendan Rodgers admitting after the game that they have received a ‘few offers’ for some of their players.

“I don’t know at this stage. There have been a few offers in for some of the players but nowhere near the valuation the club would want to sell,” he admitted when asked if it is a concern if players might have to leave.

“None of them are for sale. That is the reality of it, however, I know how the game works and how the business works, but at this moment in time there are a few weeks to go in the window.”

Jacobs has described the Fofana deal as ‘ongoing’ but believes that Chelsea will have to pay the ‘maximum amount’ as Leicester are in a strong position around the negotiating table.

He told GiveMeSport: “It’s going to be tough because the windows ticking down, and if Chelsea desperately want Fofana and Leicester City know that, then Leicester can just hold out and push Chelsea to pay the maximum amount.

“And it remains