Leicester scouting Chilwell replacement as Chelsea and Man City set for £50million transfer battle

THE hunt is on for Leicester to find a replacement left-back, knowing they will be hit with major bids for their England star Ben Chilwell.

Boss Brendan Rodgers plans to keep the 22-year-old for the season — but his scouts are under orders to find someone to fill his talented boots.

Manchester City lead the pursuit but they will not be alone at home or abroad, with Leicester possibly getting £50million.

Foxes spies are tracking young Bolton attacker Ronan Darcy.

The home-grown 18-year-old was in the Wanderers side when they had to field the kids but has now gone back into the shadows.

Yet Leicester could move during the transfer window.

SunSport revealed Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is eyeing a move for Ben Chilwell when Chelsea’s transfer ban ends.

The Blues boss is a big fan of the England full-back and has been tracking his progress.

And Lamps sees the England international, 22, as a long-term solution at left-back.

Manchester City looked at Chilwell in the summer but have kept faith with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Benjamin Mendy.

Now Chelsea have emerged as contenders for his signature, especially with Marcos Alonso considering his future.

Emerson is Lamps’ other left-back option but Chilwell’s pace is seen as an ideal long-term option.

The Blues’ transfer ban means it will be next summer before they can sign players.