Chelsea have entered 'direct talks' with Leicester City over the transfer of Wesley Fofana and the Stamford Bridge outfit have been boosted in their pursuit, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.
The Blues have already spent close to £170million in bolstering their squad since the summer window opened for business, but head coach Thomas Tuchel looks as though he is set to splash the cash once again.
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What's the latest news involving Fofana?
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are preparing a fresh bid after identifying Fofana as a primary target ahead of the September 1 deadline.
The transfer guru suggests the five-cap France under-21 international has already agreed personal terms with the west Londoners in the hope of rushing through the move if both clubs shake hands on a fee.
It is understood that Leicester are seeking £85million for Fofana, which would make him the most expensive defender in history, and there have been indications that Chelsea will eventually meet their Premier League rivals' asking price.
The 21-year-old clearly wants to link up with Tuchel's side as he has informed Leicester of his desire to swap the King Power Stadium for Stamford Bridge and is growing frustrated at his price tag.
Chelsea have lodged two bids worth up to £70million for Fofana, but Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed the proposals were 'nowhere near what the club would consider'.
What has Ben Jacobs said about Fofana?
Jacobs understands that Chelsea's negotiations over Fofana, whose £51,000-per-week contract does not expire until 2025, are moving in the right direction after opening direct talks with Leicester.
The journalist is also aware that the Frenchman's current employers are softening their stance ahead of the transfer deadline.
Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT: "Leicester are now more open to a sale than they were when Chelsea first started bidding.
"The good news, from Chelsea's perspective, is that there are direct talks taking place between them and Leicester.
"Brendan Rodgers has softened his language from 'not for sale' to 'not wanting to sell' and there's a key difference between those two stances."
Would Fofana be a good signing for Chelsea?
Although Tuchel boosted his options at the heart of the backline by completing the £33million acquisition of Kalidou Koulibaly during the summer, he could do with adding another centre-back before September 1.
That is because he saw the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leave Chelsea at the end of their respective contracts.
At 21, Fofana would be a youthful addition and take no time adjusting to the Premier League thanks to chalking up 37 appearances in the competition while with Leicester.
Foxes chief Rodgers has previously described the former Saint-Etienne man as 'an absolutely phenomenal talent' and there is no doubt that he would improve Chelsea at the defensive end of the pitch.