Leicester City face a transfer battle with Cesare Casadei as the Chelsea decision approaches.

A further update has emerged on Leicester City’s interest in Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei this summer.

City have been heavily linked with the Italian, with manager Enzo Maresca keen to bring him to the King Power Stadium on loan before the end of the transfer window. The 20-year-old has spent pre-season with Chelsea with new manager Maurico Pochettino taking a closer look at him.

It now seems that he could spend the season away from Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea hinting that’s the case by not allocating the player a squad number for the upcoming campaign. City are said to be pushing to sign Casadei on loan.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now given the latest on the player’s situation, with it suggested that it could be down to a two-horse race for the player’s services this season. The journalist wrote on Twitter: “Chelsea are considering two requests more than others for Cesare Casadei: Leicester with Enzo Maresca insisting and Serie A side Genoa.

“Discussions continue to pick the best solution for the Italian midfielder.”

Previous reports have suggested that City do lead the race for the player, with it even said that the midfielder is “lined up” to complete a move to the King Power Stadium before next weekend’s Championship clash against Huddersfield Town.

Casadei already has Championship experience, having spent the second half of last season on loan with Reading. He made a total of 15 appearances for the Royals, scoring once, but was unable to help them avoid relegation to League One.

Where would Casadei fit into the team? Tell us in the comments section