Leicester tie down Liverpool, Tottenham target to long-term deal

Leicester have warded off potential transfer interest in Ben Chilwell by securing the reported Liverpool and Tottenham target to a new long-term deal.

A month after agreeing fresh terms with Harry Maguire, Leicester have locked up 21-year-old left-back Chilwell, who has come through the ranks at the King Power Stadium.

Chilwell made his England debut last month and his first starts followed in last week’s goalless Nations League draw with Croatia and the 3-2 win in Spain, the latter of which the player really shone.

Chilwell joined Leicester’s academy aged 12 and said he was excited to extend his association with the Foxes until June 2024.

“Leicester’s always felt like the right place for me,” he said.

“I’ve had fantastic support at every level since I arrived nine years ago and I’ve always felt opportunities would come if I continued to work hard. That’s a great feeling to have as a young player.

“The club has really big, long-term plans and it’s really exciting to know that I’m going to be part of that. We’ve got a great squad with quite a youthful core so there’s a real opportunity for us to push on and achieve something together in the coming years.”

Chilwell spent a large part of Leicester’s famous title-winning season of 2015/16 on loan at Huddersfield, but after making his Premier League debut the following campaign he has nailed down the left-back position as his own.

Leicester boss Claude Puel praised Chilwell’s progress and said he can be a role model for youngsters in the club’s academy.

“It’s great news for the club,” Puel said of the new deal. “Ben is an exciting young player with huge potential who is already learning and improving by playing regular Premier League football.

“If he continues to work hard he will become a valuable player for us and I hope for the England team.

“He is already an example for the young players of our Academy, highlights the excellent work within it and validates the project of the club.”

Chilwell has played every minute so far of Leicester’s 2018/19 Premier League campaign, which continues away to Arsenal on Monday night.

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