Chelsea to submit second bid for Danny Drinkwater but reluctant to meet Leicester's asking price

Chelsea are lining up a second bid for Leicester City midfielder Danny Drinkwater after seeing an initial offer rejected.

The Blues want to make four signings by deadline day on August 31 and talks with Leicester over Drinkwater remain ongoing.

Chelsea have already had a bid rejected last week worth just under £20m and a second offer is imminent.

Leicester value the 27-year-old in excess of £30m, but Chelsea are not ready to meet that asking price yet.

Standard Sport understands the England international, who is close to full fitness after a minor thigh injury, is keen to make the move to west London.

Chelsea coach Antonio Conte is a huge admirer of the midfielder and believes he can make a major contribution this season despite already having Drinkwater's former Leicester team-mate N'Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas and £40m summer signing Tiemoue Bakayoko to choose from to play in front of the back three.