Chelsea are not close to signing Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell, according to the Guardian‘s Fabrizio Romano. Writing in a piece co-written with Jacob Steinberg, the Italian journalist has contradicted claims that there had been a breakthrough in negotiations for the England international.

It was thought that the Blues were closing in on a deal to sign the fullback but Romano and Steinberg describe such reports as “premature” and they suggest that a transfer may depend on one player leaving Stamford Bridge.

Emerson Palmieri has been heavily linked with Inter Milan in recent weeks, to join up with former manager Antonio Conte, and it is thought that funds from the Italian’s sale could help finance a bid for Chilwell.

Romano predicts a move for the Leicester star will only “ramp up” when Emerson leaves. When that will be is anyone’s guess as Inter are reportedly struggling to match Chelsea’s asking price for the player.