Wesley Fofana: Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers expects defender to stay at Foxes

Brendan Rodgers expects Wesley Fofana to still be a Leicester player when the transfer window closes on 1 September.

The France Under-21 defender has been the subject of interest from Chelsea, who have had two bids rejected.

Rodgers said: “He is a Leicester City player. He is not for sale, the club have made that clear, unless anything changes he will still be here.”

The Foxes boss also says the club have began talks with James Maddison over a new contract.

Fofana signed a new deal with the Foxes in March, committing him to the club until 2027.

He joined Leicester from Saint-Etienne in 2020 and made 38 appearances in his first year at the club.

Last season, he did not play until March, having broken his leg the previous August in a pre-season friendly against Villarreal.

However, he started both of Foxes’ first two game of the current campaign as they drew 2-2 with Brentford and lost 4-2 at Arsenal.

Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Maddison, 25, has two years left on his current deal but has been the subject of interest from Newcastle, who had a £40m bid rejected earlier this summer.

Asked whether the Foxes had spoken to the player’s representatives about a contract extension, Rodgers said: “I believe so, I believe they’ve spoken. Yeah, Jon [Rudkin, director of football] has spoken to them a number of times.

“I’m pretty sure the club would want to do that [tie him down]. Both sides have to be able to find an agreement.

“With James, with two years left, naturally the club would want to protect the asset. But it works both ways.

“Sometimes, everything goes on to the club. If a player, I’m not saying James, doesn’t want to sign it, then it can be a stalemate.

“But absolutely, he’s an outstanding player and of course, Leicester City would benefit from keeping him longer.”

• Our coverage of Leicester City is bigger and better than ever before – here’s everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a moment
• Everything Leicester – go straight to all the best content