Liverpool look set to miss out on one of their summer transfer targets after Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri effectively ruled out a Ben Chilwell exit.
The 19-year-old has been linked with a move to Anfield ahead of the new season, with Jurgen Klopp remaining very active in the market.
Having added Alex Manninger and Georginio Wijnaldum to his squad on Friday, the German tactician is evidently still looking at options to further strengthen his squad.
Marko Grujic, Loris Karius, Joel Matip, Ragnar Klavan and Sadio Mane have all also joined Liverpool this summer, with Klopp certainly now stamping his mark on the group as he looks to build on their success from last season.
However, as reported by The Leicester Mercury, one player that likely won’t be joining his revolution is Chilwell, with Ranieri revealing that the promising young defensive ace will sign a new deal with the Foxes.
“He is very close and he will stay with us,” said Ranieri.
The Mercury report that Chilwell was the subject of a £7m bid from Liverpool, but it appears as though the Reds will be left disappointed as their pursuit of a full-back continues.
In contrast, it will be a major boost for Ranieri and Leicester to keep hold of one of their most talented youngsters, with the Italian facing a fight to keep his squad together over the next 12 months.
The Foxes sensational Premier League title triumph last season was an historic moment for the club and English football, but it remains to be seen whether or not they can build on that success or if they will fold under the added pressure.
N’Golo Kante has already left for Chelsea, while an influential figure in their success behind the scenes, Steve Walsh, has moved on to Everton.
In turn, Ranieri will hope to avoid seeing any more faces leave the King Power Stadium regardless of their standing, while he has done an impressive job in strengthening this summer too.