Transfer News: Chelsea ready to go up to £30 million to land Danny Drinkwater

Chelsea have reportedly intimated Leicester City that they are willing to pay up to £30 million in order to land midfielder Danny Drinkwater

According to The Sun, Chelsea are ready to step up their interest in Leicester City midfielder Danny Drinkwater. The Blues though, have already intimated Leicester City that they will not be bullied in the pursuit of the Manchester United academy graduate.

Chelsea have already made Leicester City known that they will go up to £30 million and not a penny more for the English international.

Danny Drinkwater was part of the fairytale Leicester City story in the 2015-16 Premier League season. And, while his other more attacking teammates were lauded, the player silently went about his job with aplomb and was rewarded with a call-up and a subsequent senior debut for the Three Lions.

And while Leicester City produced a remarkably poor defence of their title, Drinkwater was one of the bright spots for the Foxes. The 27-year-old was a regular fixture in midfield for the club in the Premier League and the Champions League, with a total of 43 appearances to his name.

In the era of modern footballers, Drinkwater’s playing style is a throwback to the no-nonsense midfielders that sweep up the stray balls and help the team’s buildup with simple passes rather than flashy plays – a profile that would do well under Conte at Chelsea.

Chelsea have just bid adieu to Nemanja Matic, who joined Manchester United in a £40 million deal. Antonio Conte was already looking to add to his midfield and with the Serbian’s departure, the need has accentuated, with the Blues now looking towards Danny Drinkwater as a potential replacement.

Drinkwater was linked with the likes of Tottenham, Manchester United and others earlier in the summer. But, the rumours have since taken a backseat. Manchester United are unlikely to pose much competition, with the Red Devils having signed Matic.

And while Tottenham may come in as a threat, Spurs are looking more towards comparitively younger prospects like Leon Goretzka and Ross Barkley – a player Chelsea is also reported to be tailing.

Chelsea were interested in Drinkwater last season as well, before the Blues landed N’Golo Kante. And the player could now be set to partner the Frenchman in the middle of the park. At 27, the midfielder will prove to be a good short-to-medium term option.

But, Chelsea may not be able to promise him a regular place in the starting lineup, with new summer arrival Tiemoue Bakayoko likely to be the preferred choice after a stellar campaign with AS Monaco.

Drinkwater, at 27, is unlikely to leave Leicester without the promise of regular football, especially with the World Cup around the corner. This deal looks like one where it could just end up being a rumour and the Manchester United academy graduate is likely to remain at the King Power Stadium.