Leicester launched offer for Chelsea’s Nathaniel Chalobah but Antonio Conte blocked the move

PREMIER LEAGUE champions Leicester wanted to sign Chelsea's Nathaniel Chalobah on loan last month but Antonio Conte blocked the move.

The 21-year-old midfielder has made six loan moves in the last four years and has yet to make his first-team debut for the Blues.

And Claudio Ranieri believed he could lure promising talent to the Foxes for yet another temporary spell however Conte rejected the approach, believing he could feature in his first team this season.

, the new Chelsea boss was pleased with Chalobah's potential in pre-season and is prepared to offer him a chance to make a name for himself at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea also received offers from Italian side Napoli, two other Champions League clubs and Sevilla.

Chalobah, who scored in England Under-21's 6-1 thumping of Norway on Tuesday, spent last season on loan with Napoli but failed to start a league game and mustered just 29 minutes of action.

However it is thought that Conte was impressed with how well Chalobah picked up the Italian language and the tactical nous of coach Maurizio Sarri.

Conte did include Chalobah on the bench in the wins against Watford and Bristol Rovers as the youngster aims to become the first academy player to break into the first team since captain John Terry.

But he faces stiff competition in the middle of the park with Cesc Fabregas, Nemanja Matic, Oscar and N'Golo Kante all vying for the same spot.

After a string of loan deals, Chalobah will be hoping this season is finally his time to leave his mark in blue colours.