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Brendan Rodgers addresses latest Wesley Fofana, Youri Tielemans speculation

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 21 August 2022

Rodgers addresses latest Fofana, Tielemans speculation

Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers refuses to guarantee that the likes of Wesley Fofana and Youri Tielemans will stay at the club this summer.

Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has refused to guarantee that the likes of Wesley Fofana and Youri Tielemans will remain at the club beyond the end of the summer transfer window.

Fofana continues to be heavily linked with Chelsea, and the centre-back was left out of the squad for Saturday's Premier League clash with Southampton.

Tielemans, meanwhile, was named on the bench, with the Belgium international being linked with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United in the latter stages of the window.

The midfielder was introduced in the 65th minute of Saturday's game with Southampton but could not prevent the Foxes from suffering a 2-1 loss in front of their own supporters.

"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," Rodgers told Sky Sports News after the game.

Leicester City's Wesley Fofana celebrates scoring their first goal with manager Brendan Rodgers on March 17, 2022 © Reuters

"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.

"I don't know what will happen but my only concentration is the players we have here and getting them back to that level of confidence and turning 60 minutes of good work into 90 minutes of good work and results.

"In terms of Wesley, just a young player who is not quite in the right frame of mind at the moment to play. A lot going on behind the scenes, which I understand. It's a difficult moment for him.

"He's a good kid, he's been great for us whilst he's been here and at this moment it's a difficult one for him. You can't afford that... certainly playing a Premier League game if you're not 100% fully focused."

Fofana made the move to the King Power Stadium from Saint-Etienne in 2020, and he has featured on 52 occasions for the Foxes in all competitions.

Leicester City's Youri Tielemans reacts to Crystal Palace being awarded a penalty on April 10, 2022 © Reuters

The centre-back only signed a new contract with Leicester in March, with his current deal due to run until June 2027, but Chelsea have allegedly already had two bids rejected for him this summer and remain determined to secure his signature before the end of the transfer window.

The Blues have also been linked with Harry Maguire but will only move for the Manchester United captain if their pursuit of Fofana does not have a positive end result.

Tielemans, meanwhile, has entered the final year of his deal with Rodgers's side, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding the 25-year-old this summer.

Arsenal are believed to be the favourites for the Belgian, but Man United could also reportedly make a move if they officially drop their interest in Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong.

Leicester have already lost a key player this summer in the shape of Kasper Schmeichel, with Alex Smithies the club's only arrival during a quiet transfer window.