Chelsea have had an opening £60m offer for Wesley Fofana rejected - but Leicester fear the Londoners are willing to go beyond the £80m world record fee for a defender in order to land the Frenchman.
Chelsea, who have persuaded captain Cesar Azpilicueta so sign a new two-year contract, have firmed up their interest with an approach for Fofana who currently tops their list of centre-back targets and are also working to bring in a new striker with former Arsenal man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang one name in the frame.
Leicester have knocked back Chelsea's offer, with boss Brendan Rodgers insisting three times on Monday that Fofana was not for sale.