Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell will reportedly hand in a transfer request this week in a bid to force through a move to Chelsea.

The 23-year-old has been identified as one of the Blues' top transfer targets this summer as they look to bolster a defence which shipped 54 goals in the 2019-20 season - more than any other team in the top half of the Premier League table.

Chilwell's asking price has forced Chelsea to consider cheaper options, but The Mirror claims that the player will now push for a move from his end in an attempt to force Leicester to sell.

Leicester narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification to Chelsea on the final day of the season, although Chilwell's desire to join the London outfit is not thought to be directly related to that.

The England international has been with the Foxes since the age of 12 and his current contract does not expire until 2024, so Leicester are still expected to command a hefty fee for his signature.

Chelsea have already signed Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner this summer, while they have been linked with moves for a new goalkeeper, a new centre-back and Kai Havertz.