James Maddison's return to the starting line-up came as a huge boost to Brendan Rodgers as Leicester City avoided an FA Cup shock to move into the last 16 with victory at Walsall.

Premier League strugglers Leicester won 1-0 at the League Two outfit on Saturday.

Youri Tielemans hit the post with a penalty but substitute Kelechi Iheanacho sent the Foxes into the fifth round with a deflected strike from just outside the area 22 minutes from time.

FA Cup specialist Iheanacho now has 17 goals in his 23 matches in the competition, while attacking midfielder Maddison – who has been a transfer target for Newcastle United and Tottenham – made his first start since November 12 when he suffered an injury before the World Cup.

"There were lots of positives as well as the result, including James Maddison coming back in," said Leicester boss Rodgers, who led the team FA Cup glory in 2021.

"[Maddison] needs his football fitness now. He's such a big talent. Just trying to get him up to speed and this was a great chance for him.

"I was really pleased. It was getting him onto the pitch as it's a long time since he's been out there. He's worked hard and got a good 60 minutes, which was the plan. We saw how he was at half-time. 

"He has a way to go yet in terms of his football fitness but he has been training the last little bit and he's such a big talent for us, when he's on the pitch anything can happen."

Rodgers added: "We could have been more comfortable with some of the chances we missed but the attitude of the players was excellent.

"We've seen it in the last round, the difficulties these sorts of games can provide. I always try to respect the competition and put out a strong side

"The last time [Iheanacho] was scoring we won the FA Cup, so hopefully it's an omen. He will get more game time as Jamie Vardy is out for a few weeks. 

"Maybe because he's not been a starter for so many teams, when he gets his chance in the FA Cup, he takes his chance and he scores. He has made a great impact in the competition since I've been here."

Leeds United joined Leicester in progressing by beating lower-league opposition, winning 3-1 away to Accrington Stanley.

James Maddison has seen a specialist after suffering another knee injury on his return from the World Cup, Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers revealed.

Maddison sustained an injury in Leicester's final Premier League game before Qatar 2022 at West Ham last month, but he was still named in Gareth Southgate's squad for the tournament.

Only Erling Haaland (21), Harry Kane (14), Ivan Toney (13) and Kevin De Bruyne (12) have bettered Maddison's tally of 11 goal involvements in the Premier League this term, but he was one of just four unused England outfielders in Qatar.

Having been strongly linked with a January move to Newcastle United, Maddison sat out Leicester's 3-0 Boxing Day defeat to the Magpies with another injury, which will require specialist treatment.

Speaking at a press conference to preview Friday's Premier League trip to Liverpool, Rodgers said: "He won't be available for the game. 

"He was with Mark [Waller], our doctor, getting some specialist advice in London. I'll wait to hear from them later on.

"He hasn't trained with the squad. He was clearly getting treatment out [in Qatar] and the England medical team deemed him okay to train.

"He was available for games [for England]. He's come back here, looked to do some work, and then felt a pain in a different part of his knee."

Leicester produced a dire display in Maddison's absence against Newcastle, conceding three first-half goals in a home Premier League game for the first time since doing so against Manchester United in September 2003.

The 13th-placed Foxes are four points clear of the Premier League's bottom three ahead of Friday's game at Anfield, where they are winless in their past 11 top-flight visits (D2 L9).

Brendan Rodgers anticipates Leicester City will rebuff any offers tabled for James Maddison in the January transfer window.

The England international has been a standout performer for the Foxes this term, and has been their brightest light amid a poor 2022-23 campaign to date.

Maddison was crucial to the pre-break revival enjoyed by Leicester, earning a recall to the Three Lions fold and a spot in Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad too.

His rising stock, therefore, is likely to attract bids during the new year, but Rodgers expects the club to keep hold of their man and knock back any approaches.

"I've been given no indication that we have to do anything with James in January," he stated. "He's someone I want to keep here.

"When you have good players, it's a good sign. They'll always be coveted by other teams. That's OK, I'm confident those players will be here. My focus is on improving the squad. That's what I want to do."

Maddison himself is only just returning to action with Leicester following a post-Qatar 2022 breather, after England were edged by ultimate finalists France in the last eight.

Speaking at the World Darts Championship as a guest of Sky Sports, the 26-year-old acknowledged Southgate's men felt they could go the distance, while hailing the squad the latter has put together.

"The World Cup came to a disappointing end, in the end," he added. "There was a real feel we were going to go all the way and win it, to be honest. It wasn't to be - we lost to a very good France side.

"The group's so good. I've had a few years out of the squad, so there's a few faces I didn't know. It's quite a young group, so it was easy to transition back in.

"It's such an easy group to go into and be yourself, express yourself. That's why, even though I didn't get any minutes, when we went out, I was devastated. You build up such a bond."

James Maddison has earned his place in England's World Cup squad by becoming "one of the best in the Premier League, his Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers believes.

Maddison was a surprise name in Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad announcement on Thursday, having made his first and only appearance for his country in November 2019.

His recent form for Leicester has won Southgate over though.

Since the start of last season, Maddison has been directly involved in 30 goals in the Premier League (18 goals, 12 assists), with only Harry Kane (38) recording more among English players.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Leicester boss Rodgers described the moment Maddison found out he was heading to the World Cup. 

"He was delighted. He had a missed call from Gareth just before we went out to training," Rodgers revealed. "I said to him to go into my office to make the call privately. He obviously spoke to Gareth and came out with all the joy of the world, so it was great for him.

"It's wonderful news for James and his family and everyone here in Leicester. I'm delighted for Gareth from a coaching perspective to have that talent available at a great tournament. His level of consistency, work ethic and talent over these last few years has swung that decision.

"He's a fantastic player, one of the best in the Premier League. I'm really delighted for him."

Maddison was listed as a forward in England's squad along with Kane, Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling and Callum Wilson.

Rodgers believes his versatility will make him a valuable asset, outlining the skills he is likely to bring to Southgate's team if called upon during the tournament, which begins on November 20.

"Everyone talks about his favourite position, but James has played across the front line to a high level," he said. "He's plays for me on the right side. He still scores and creates goals. He makes runs like a top winger. One thing he can do above a lot of players is that he can see the forward pass. That's absolutely key.

"He plays forward quickly. A lot of midfield players can conserve the ball, but you need players to see the pass. He's a player whose view of the game is fantastic. England have players who have talent and James has a special talent that can unlock tight games and defences and he can score goals."

James Maddison not going to the World Cup with England would be "a shame for the country", said Brendan Rodgers after the Leicester City midfielder scored another two goals on Monday.

Maddison's continued absence from Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad has been the source of some contention.

The 25-year-old has earned only a single England cap, in November 2019, and appears to face an uphill battle to gain favour with Southgate before Qatar 2022 kicks off next month.

Yet Maddison has started the Premier League season in outstanding form. After scoring two and assisting another in Leicester's 4-0 win over fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest, he has seven goal involvements in seven appearances.

Going back to the start of the previous campaign, Southgate's captain Harry Kane is the only English player with more Premier League goals (24) or goal involvements (34) than Maddison (17 goals, 10 assists).

"It's such a shame for the country and for James himself," manager Rodgers told Sky Sports. "You see his talent, and his performance level for the last 18 months I think everybody is clear on.

"I think it's only Harry Kane who has created and scored more goals than him, so to not even be in the squad...

"Even if he's not going to start, to have a player of that quality and not only in that, in international football, to have the personality to take the ball, be creative, take the ball and change the game, James is all of that. He's an absolutely brilliant player.

"I really hope over these next few months he can continue the form he's shown for 18 months and somehow get into the team, because if you're wanting creativity, you're wanting personality – he's improved his defensive side of his game, and he can play in a couple of positions.

"For me, he's an absolutely outstanding player, and he's up there.

"I love Phil Foden, Mason Mount, those boys who play there – Jack Grealish is different, Jack plays from the side – but Madders can play in a number of positions to a high level, and he showed that tonight."

Maddison, who said suggestions he would not be a good character within the group if not starting were "insulting", added: "It's been a weird position for me.

"We [Leicester] have been bottom of the league, and results have not been going our way, but I've almost been as confident as I've ever been in my career.

"I don't remember over the last 12 months playing better than I have and feeling as well as I have.

"It's obviously hard to answer this question [on his England hopes], because you want to say the right thing, you don't want to say the wrong thing, but that's an ambition of mine, a goal of mine.

"I'm a football man, I watch all the games, I watch international football, and an opportunity at that level would be something I desire. I almost know I'd have an impact.

"It's one I hope will come my way at some point."

Big-spending French club Nice have struggled to start the new Ligue 1 season, with only eight points from eight games.

Ambitious Nice are sitting 13th in the table, leading to pressure on head coach Lucien Favre.

The Ligue 1 outfit finished fifth last term and have recently signed Aaron Ramsey, Ross Barkley, Alexis Beka Beka and Kasper Schmeichel.

TOP STORY – NICE KEEN ON PARKER WITH POCHETTINO NOT INTERESTED

Nice are interested in a surprise move for ex-Fulham and Bournemouth boss Scott Parker, claims Foot Mercato.

Favre is under pressure, with ex-Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino reportedly their first choice to replace him.

The Evening Standard claims Pochettino is not interested in the Nice role and instead will wait for a head coaching position with a top club in England, Spain or Italy. 

ROUND-UP

– 90min reports Manchester United will offer fresh deals to Marcus Rashford and Diogo Dalot. The pair's contracts are both due to expire in mid-2023, albeit with the option of one-year extensions, but United want to lock them down beyond that.

– Erik ten Hag will decide on Donny van de Beek's future at United in October, according to the Manchester Evening News. The Dutchman has only managed three appearances this term.

– Fabrizio Romano reports Tottenham target Kim Min-Jae has a release clause in his Napoli contract after joining the Italian club from Fenerbahce in July, but it cannot be triggered in January. Napoli are happy with the centre-back's impact and are not interested in letting him go.

– Chelsea target Anthony Gordon is in the midst of contract talks with Everton that are "progressing well", claims inews. Gordon is set for a substantial pay rise.

– Leicester City are set to offer manager Brendan Rodgers more time to turn around the side's poor start to the new season, although the reception of fans towards him at their next home game will be a factor for key decision makers, reports The Athletic.

Arsenal were heavily linked with Manuel Locatelli more than 12 months ago and look set to revive their interest.

Locatelli won plenty of admirers with his performances for Italy at Euro 2020.

Among them was Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, but at the time Locatelli preferred to join Juventus.

TOP STORY – GUNNERS TO REVIVE LOCATELLI INTEREST

Premier League leaders Arsenal will renew their pursuit of Italy international Manuel Locatelli in the near future, claims Calciomercato.

The Gunners have previously been linked with the 24-year-old Juventus midfielder, who is on loan from Sassuolo.

Locatelli was signed by the Bianconeri in August 2021 on a two-year loan, with Juventus holding the obligation to purchase him for €25 million payable over three years plus €12.5m in potential add-ons.

ROUND-UP

– Real Madrid will not stand in the way of Mariano Diaz should he decide to exit the club across town to join Atletico Madrid, according to El Nacional. It has previously been reported Atletico are targeting the 29-year-old striker.

– Madrid will not pursue a deal for Paris Saint-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappe if he has no interest in signing, according to Marca. Mbappe was close to joining the Spanish giants in the off-season as a free agent after a long chase, before signing a lucrative extension with PSG.

– The Sun claims that Leicester City may be forced to stick with manager Brendan Rodgers as it will be too expensive for the club to sack him amid their awful start to the new Premier League season. According to the report, the Foxes would need to pay Rodgers more than £10 million to sack him, with three years left on his deal.

– Chelsea's overhaul continues with the club on the cusp of appointing Christoph Freund as their new sporting director, claims The Guardian. Freund is with Austrian champions Salzburg. The Blues recently replaced Thomas Tuchel with Graham Potter as head coach.

Brendan Rodgers accepts his position as Leicester City manager is under threat after a resounding 6-2 Premier League defeat at Tottenham on Saturday.

The heavy loss leaves Leicester winless in their first seven league games of a season for the first time since 1983-84.

Their 22 goals conceded is the most any side has shipped after seven games of a Premier League season, and the most in the English top flight since 1965-66 (West Ham, also 22).

Rodgers is well aware his position is under threat and said he would have no issues with the club's owners should they decide to take action.

"I come in every day and do my work. I totally understand the frustration of supporters. I can't hide from that. It's my responsibility," he told Sky Sports.

"Whatever happens I'll have a huge amount of respect for [the owners] because they've given me great support. I understand the game.

"The scoreline didn't reflect the game but the bottom line is it's a heavy defeat.

"They've given me brilliant support. Whatever happens to me at Leicester, whether I stay and fight on, I'll always respect them."

Midfielder James Maddison, who had earlier drew Leicester level at 2-2, refused to let Rodgers take all of the blame, stating the players deserved their fair share of criticism.

"It is tough to debrief it in my head so quickly after," he said. "People will check the scoreline and see 6-2 and think 'wow, Leicester got battered again' but I don't think that was the case.

"We've worked so hard on the training ground this week because we know we need to produce better results and in the first-half it felt like the Leicester we know and the Brendan Rodgers side we've produced in the last few years, with the high press and creating chances. It is tough to take.

"We conceded from a couple of a set-pieces which is always disappointing, especially if I told you how many hours we've spent on that because it was a weakness last year.

"We've brought in a set-piece coach and everyone has really bought into that.

"The players should definitely be taking some of the brunt. It is a collective, it's not the manager, we are an XI out there.

"It hurts when you really respect the manager, and ultimately we are the players out there and we haven't been delivering recently."

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has warned Graham Potter he can expect a "different pressure" at Chelsea but believes it is a "fantastic move".

Potter has been named as Thomas Tuchel's successor at Stamford Bridge, following the axing of the Champions League-winning boss on Wednesday.

New Blues owner Todd Boehly has been extremely active since taking over from Roman Abramovich, splashing vast amounts of money in the transfer market, and has now made his first managerial appointment.

Chelsea received permission from Brighton and Hove Albion to speak to Potter on Wednesday and confirmation of his appointment followed on Thursday.

Rodgers, who has experience in high-pressure clubs following his time with Liverpool, has told Potter he will encounter different challenges than his time at Brighton but feels it is the right move.

"It's a different pressure," Rodgers said in the press conference ahead of Saturday's clash with Aston Villa.

"He's done fantastic at Brighton, they've really developed. They're strategically well run behind the scenes. 

"It's that next step and it will be a fantastic move for him."

Even accounting for Chelsea's shoddy start to the Champions League, few would have expected Thomas Tuchel to be out of a job by Wednesday.

The Blues started their European campaign with a lacklustre 1-0 setback at Dinamo Zagreb, a result that follows an underwhelming trend to start the season.

With three wins, two losses and one draw from six games, the Blues sit sixth in the infant Premier League table.

Still, most would have expected Tuchel – who has won the Champions League and Club World Cup with Chelsea – to be afforded more time to bed in the likes of Raheem Sterling, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly following a big-spending transfer window under the club's new owners led by Todd Boehly.

But, alas, he has not, and for the first time Chelsea are after a new boss under their new regime. We have taken a look at the most likely candidates to replace Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.

MAURICIO POCHETTINO

The last time Chelsea were looking for a successor for a sacked manager, they turned to a former Paris Saint-Germain boss in Tuchel to replace club legend Frank Lampard. Might history repeat itself here? Certainly Pochettino would be attainable after the Argentine departed the Parc des Princes in July despite winning the Ligue 1 title. Pochettino also brings extensive knowledge of the Premier League having managed Southampton before joining Tottenham in May 2014. Pochettino failed to deliver major silverware but did lead the club to the 2019 Champions League final and secured four straight top-four finishes.

GRAHAM POTTER

A name that has cropped up early in the bookmakers' odds is Brighton and Hove Albion boss Potter, a man who has earned plenty of admirers due to the attractive brand of football employed by his Seagulls side. Having coached Swedish side Ostersund for seven years, Potter joined Swansea City in 2018 and a year later made the move to the Amex Stadium. After finishing 15th and 16th in his first two top-flight seasons, Brighton placed ninth last term and Potter has long been tipped for bigger things, with his case boosted by a fantastic start to the 2022-23 season.

ZINEDINE ZIDANE

Another boss out of work, though reports suggest Zidane remains keen to take on the France job should Didier Deschamps leave after Qatar 2022. One of the greatest players of all time, Zidane has also enjoyed success in the dugout at Real Madrid. Over two spells as coach at the Santiago Bernabeu, Zidane won three Champions League titles (all in a row from 2016 to 2018), two LaLiga medals, and the Club World Cup twice among a plethora of honours. He also showed his ability to manage big egos at the Santiago Bernabeu, a trait that may appeal to Boehly.

BRENDAN RODGERS

A move that would probably represent an outside bet given Leicester City's shoddy start to the season that sees them winless after six matches and rooted to the bottom of the table, but there is context behind that – including the sale of Fofana to Chelsea. Rodgers previously managed Liverpool and went agonisingly close to winning the title in the 2013-14 season – eventually finishing runners-up to Manchester City. After an impressive spell with Celtic, Rodgers returned to English football with Leicester and defeated Chelsea in the 2020-21 FA Cup final. Moreover, Rodgers is a familiar face at Stamford Bridge having managed the club's reserve side from 2006-2008.

DIEGO SIMEONE

Simeone is an undoubted legend at Atletico Madrid, where he has managed to consistently compete against heavyweight rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona in LaLiga for over a decade. A two-time league winner, to go with medals in the Europa League, Copa del Rey and Supercopa a Espana, Simeone knows how to win trophies – even though two runs to the final of the Champions League both ended in defeat to Real Madrid. But having finished third and 15 points off the top last term, and started this season in patchy form (two wins, a draw and a defeat from four games), perhaps Simeone may finally be swayed by the prospect of pastures new.

Brendan Rodgers believes someone else was behind Wesley Fofana's parting shot at him following the defender's move to Chelsea.

Fofana completed his long-awaited switch from Leicester City to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, signing a seven-year contract after a deal in the region of £75million was struck.

The build up to the defender's departure was not entirely amicable, with Fofana made to train with Leicester's under-23 squad after professing his desire to join Chelsea.

Rodgers declared he was "not in the right frame of mind" to play for the Foxes, and in a message addressing Leicester's supporters on Wednesday, Fofana accused his former manager of trying to "expose" him.

However, Rodgers thinks there is more than meets the eye about his statement.

"It clearly is difficult; I'll always defend players and I'll defend Wesley," he said on BT Sport before Leicester's Premier League clash with Manchester United on Thursday.

"There's a lot of noise out there about him and what was said.

"I never get too emotional with words; I try to look at the logic of it. I know where the statement came from and it is not Wesley Fofana.

"This kid is a good kid. We brought him in here and nobody knew him really. He came here, we gave him a great platform and he was amazing.

"We hoped he would stay on for another year before he moved on, but he has taken the possibility to go. It is a shame for us, and a shame how it ended a little bit.

"For me, he's a good guy and I know probably other influences have taken him away from the club."

Wesley Fofana took aim at Brendan Rodgers after sealing his move to Chelsea, accusing the Leicester City manager of looking to "expose" him in recent weeks.

Fofana completed his long-awaited move to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, signing a seven-year contract after a deal in the region of £75million was struck.

Leicester rejected multiple bids from Chelsea before their demands were met, and the build-up to the defender's departure was not entirely amicable.

Fofana was made to train with Leicester's under-23 squad after professing his desire to join Chelsea, with Rodgers declaring he was "not in the right frame of mind" to play for Leicester.

Rodgers also unfavourably compared Fofana's attitude to that of Harry Maguire, who left Leicester for Manchester United in 2019, stating: "Harry, in terms of his behaviour and his focus for the club, he was fantastic right until the last minute, then he moved on. It was different."

In a message addressing Leicester's supporters on Wednesday, Fofana hit out at "false and misleading comments" made by his former club.

"During these two seasons here, I have probably experienced the most intense moments of my young football career. I have grown as a player but also as a man," he wrote on Instagram.

"Thank you to you, Foxes fans, for your kindness and your constant support, even in the moments you were led to believe I didn't respect the club.

"I chose not to communicate during this transfer window despite all the criticism and all the often false and misleading comments, even when they were coming from the club. I understood and I learned. 

"I didn't want to damage the image of the institution and I chose to take it rather than answer. I thank Top [chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha] for his understanding.

"Thanks to the managers, to the coach who has always appreciated me, even if he chose to expose me a lot lately... I got it, coach.

"There were ups and downs but I never cheated, you can be sure of that."

Fofana could be in line to make his Chelsea debut when they host West Ham on Saturday, with Thomas Tuchel's team having gone down 2-1 to Southampton last time out.

Brendan Rodgers has suggested wantaway Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana is on the verge of completing a move to Chelsea.

Leicester rejected three bids from their Premier League rivals for Fofana, but they have reportedly agreed to sell the centre-back for a fee of £75million.

The 21-year-old Frenchman was not included in the Foxes squad for a 2-1 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday, as Rodgers says he was not in the right frame of mind to play any part.

Fofana has been training with Leicester's under-23 squad after making it clear he wants to join the London club before the transfer window closes on Sunday.

Rodgers has given a strong indication Fofana is close to getting his wish.

The Foxes boss said following the loss to 10-man Chelsea at Stamford Bridge: "It's the same with any player. For me if they decide they want to move and see their future elsewhere it is better to have it done as quickly as you possibly can.

"You have to prepare a team and a group of players and you have to maybe replace that player. Every coach will tell you the same. It doesn't benefit anyone if it drags on. So we will see what happens over the weekend."

Rodgers added: "No doubt that when the window shuts everything calms down.

"We have been unable to add [to the squad] and there has been a lot of speculation about our top players so there is no doubt it has been difficult. But it will stop on Thursday and then we can move on but until then we have to keep fighting."

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel was tight-lipped over a move for Fofana, stating: "No, I can't tell you nothing about that."

Wesley Fofana will not feature when Leicester City take on his suitors Chelsea on Saturday, as the Blues reportedly weigh up another bid for the defender. 

Fofana has emerged as a top target for Thomas Tuchel's team since they missed out on Jules Kounde to Barcelona last month, and they have already had several bids turned down for the 21-year-old.

While Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has repeatedly refused to countenance Fofana's departure, he revealed on Wednesday that the Frenchman was training away from the first team.

Fofana also sat out the Foxes' 2-1 Premier League defeat to Southampton last weekend, with Rodgers later revealing the defender was not in the right frame of mind to play.

And Fofana will not be at Stamford Bridge in Leicester's next outing, as Rodgers declared: "He won't be available for the weekend. He has trained with our under-23 squad.

"For me, it's always about the commitment and when the players are ready to commit to the ethos of the team. If they're not in the right frame of mind, we have to move on. The window will shut and then things will become clearer."

Asked whether Leicester expected to field another offer for Fofana, Rodgers said: "I'm not sure. My concentration is really with the players that we have and the team.

"I can't lose energy thinking so much about it, it'll be between the clubs. We have to continue to work with what we have."

If Fofana joins Chelsea before the transfer window closes next week, Leicester will likely receive a fee comparable to what they accepted from Manchester United for Harry Maguire in 2019 – reported to be £80million.

However, Rodgers does not see Fofana's situation as being similar to that of Maguire, adding: "No, it was totally different. 

"I was aware over the course of the summer that that [Maguire's departure] could happen. 

"Harry, in terms of his behaviour and his focus for the club, he was fantastic right until the last minute, then he moved on. It was different. Our focus is with the team."

Leicester are one of just five Premier League teams without a win after three matches of the new campaign and are yet to make a single outfield addition in the transfer window, with their move for Cardiff City goalkeeper Alex Smithies representing their only action in the market to date.

Rodgers remains hopeful he will welcome new additions to the King Power Stadium in due course, although they may be facilitated by departures. 

"Hopefully that can be the case," he added. "It would be really good for the team, to improve the squad. Everyone knows the situation, and until that changes, we work with what we have.

"We're looking at a few players [leaving] in order to bring some in. That's been the model of the club, in terms of releasing funds."

Wesley Fofana is training with Leicester City's under-23 team as Chelsea continue with their attempts to sign the centre-back.

Brendan Rodgers confirmed on Tuesday, after the Foxes' penalty shoot-out win over Stockport County in the EFL Cup, that Leicester had turned down another bid from Chelsea for Fofana.

The defender missed Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Southampton, with Rodgers saying he was not in the right frame of mind to play and the Leicester boss revealed the 21-year-old had also failed to report for training one day last week.

Fofana is now training away from the first team with Leicester's young players.

"There was an offer gone in and it's been rejected," Rodgers said in a press conference, with reports claiming Chelsea's latest offer was worth around £70million.

"Apart from that, I'm not 100 per cent on the other details, because we were focusing on the game [against Stockport].

"He's training with the under-23s so he can get his football fitness and keep working. It's so important at this stage to control any sort of distractions that may be there.

"He's a good kid, it's just been a really challenging situation for him. I've had it a number of times in my career where there's players who can deal with it, cope with it, get on, want to help their team-mates. There's others that just can’t deal with the distraction.

"Of course that distracts them and it's not quite right, and they miss a training session, then you need the full commitment from your players. These guys get well paid. The very least you can do is turn up. And if you don't, with all due respect, you can’t then just think you can walk into our group."

Rodgers is now hoping for a swift resolution either way, with the transfer window closing next week.

"Of course if it happens, the sooner the better, because it might allow us to do some work," said Rodgers, whose side have only brought in goalkeeper Alex Smithies on a free transfer so far during this window.

Chelsea are also hopeful of signing Everton's Anthony Gordon, with reports on Tuesday suggesting the Blues would be willing to pay up to £60m for the winger.

Everton manager Frank Lampard told Sky Sports that "ideally" a swift resolution would be found, though reiterated his stance on Gordon remaining a key player.