Rodgers shares what he noticed about Chelsea target Fofana during their conversation

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Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers said he noticed that Wesley Fofana has lost his focus on football amid Chelsea transfer speculations after personally speaking to the young centre-back.

The 21-year-old was left out of the Leicester squad and could only watch as his teammates suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Southampton on Saturday.

The Foxes had taken the lead through James Maddison before conceding two goals in the last 30 minutes of the game.

Fofana could have helped if he had played, of course, but Leicester boss Rodgers insisted that the player was not ready for the game mentally.

“In terms of Wesley, it was a young player who is not in the right frame of mind to play at the moment,” the manager reiterated what he said prior to the game (via Leicester Mercury).

“There’s a lot going on behind the scenes, which I understand. It’s a difficult moment for him.

“He’s a good kid who has been great for us while he’s been here.

“You can’t afford to be around your teammates and playing a Premier League game if you’re not fully focused.

“I have to make the call. As the manager, it’s my responsibility.

“Once I speak to the player and get a feel for where he’s at and what he’s thinking. This situation was pretty straightforward really, because there’s so much going on in his mind.”

According to CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs, Rodgers also mentioned “a few offers” for some of his players which he deemed “nowhere near the valuation the club would want to sell”.

Chelsea reportedly closer to signing Fofana

The list likely includes the two rejected Chelsea bids for Fofana, which is reportedly worth over £60million.

Leicester’s wanting a world-record defender fee for Fofana, according to Sky Sports, has frustrated the player himself.

Although to be fair, Fofana’s recent two-year extension, which ties him to the club until 2027, also puts Leicester in a very strong negotiating position.

Fabrizio Romano claimed that Chelsea have yet to submit another improved bid but are expected to do so very soon after reaching personal agreements on a six-year deal with Fofana.

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