Latest Leicester City news from LeicestershireLive as Foxes look set to complete loan signing of Chelsea midfielder

Leicester City are said to be “close” to completing a loan deal for Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei.

The 20-year-old emerged as a loan target for the Foxes ahead of the 2023/24 Championship campaign. Leicester have beaten Coventry City and Huddersfield Town in their opening two matches.

New City boss Enzo Maresca is reportedly keen to bring in fellow Italian Casadei as he rebuilds the squad following the big-name departures of James Maddison, Youri Tielemans and Harvey Barnes. It was previously reported that the Italy Under-20 international was likely to be loaned out to a Premier League club but Leicester could offer him valuable experience in the second tier.

Casadei had been with Chelsea during their pre-season tour of the United States. And during this summer’s U20 World Cup, he scored seven goals in seven games as he helped Italy reach the final of the competition. He was also named as player of the tournament.

And now Telegraph reporter John Percy has claimed that a deal is close. He tweeted on Monday evening: “Leicester City are close to completing the signing of Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei on loan for the season. Deal in final stages this evening and growing optimism that all will be sorted by Tuesday

The Foxes have so far signed five players this summer. They include winger Stephy Mavididi goalkeeper Mads Hermansen and centre-back Callum Doyle on-loan from Manchester City, as well as centre-back Conor Coady from Wolves and midfielder Harry Winks from Tottenham.