Leicester City identify ex-Chelsea man Ryan Bertrand to replace future-Chelsea man Ben Chilwell — report

While Leicester City more or less have managed to circumvent the possibility of losing Ben Chilwell this month, they know that holding on to their starting left back will be much more difficult in the summer.

Chilwell appears to be the first-choice left back whom Chelsea (and others!) are targeting, and it seems that Leicester have started planning for a Chilwell-less future. The replacement that the Foxes are reportedly looking at is ex-Chelsea youth prospect and budding Southampton legend, Ryan Bertrand.

Champions League-winner Ryan Bertrand was once poised for great things, but never truly reached the heights that were expected of him after his surprise start in the 2012 final. But he has certainly cemented himself as a solid Premier League fullback. Now, at 30 years of age — ed.note: today’s reminder that time waits for no man — Bertrand could have one more big career move left in him, and could yet play Champions League football once more should end up at Leicester, who are currently well on course to finish in the top four.

He may be a subpar replacement for Ben Chilwell — as most replacements would be — but it is worth noting that Bertrand played under current Leicester City manager, Brendan Rodgers back when the he was in charge of the Chelsea youth and, later, the reserves.

Bertrand has made an appearance in 17 of 22 Premier League games this season for Saints, starting 15. Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan also held an interest in the England international, but it’s unlikely that the interest will sustain after Inter confirmed the arrival of Ashley Young. The report also notes Chelsea’s interest in Ryan in case the Blues need to purchase two left-backs, but that seems unlikely as well with Emerson possibly in line for a contract extension.