Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Leicester are no closer to agreeing a new contract with Youri Tielemans amid transfer interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
The 25-year-old has one year left on his deal with the Foxes and could be allowed to leave for around £25million this summer. Leicester want Tielemans to put pen to paper on a new contract but it is understood the Belgium international is reluctant to commit his future to the club.
This means the Foxes risk losing Tielemans for free next summer, while Arsenal are reportedly leading the race for his signature this summer. The Gunners have already signed midfielder Fabio Viera for £35m but Mikel Arteta is keen to add Tielemans to his ranks, giving them extra quality and options in that area.
Meanwhile, United have entered the race as Erik ten Hag hopes to further bolster his midfield following the arrival of Christian Eriksen last week. The Red Devils have made Frenkie de Jong their top transfer target but the Dutchman would rather stay at Barcelona.
Asked for an update on Tielemans' contract negotiations at Leicester, Rodgers said: "There's no update at all. He's an amazing guy to work with. He's just re-joined the club [for pre-season] and he's pretty much the same. In training he's very committed.
"He's happy in his work and he's happy at the club. But, naturally, with a year in his contract he may feel he has to look at everything for him and his family. But I certainly know he’s committed while he is here.
"I'll have a good chat with Youri next week to get privately what he's thinking. But it won't change, whether he's leaving or staying for another five years, he'll still be super committed."
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When questioned about whether Leicester would accept Tielemans running down his contract and leaving for free, Rodgers responded: "I'm not sure. For that to happen, that means there’s been no acceptable offer or there hasn’t been an offer. That's the reality.
"From Youri’s perspective, he’ll continue to train and work. He’s very focused on getting himself fit and like he always is with the team, he’s a great guy to have in the squad. Until that changes, I will give everything to keep developing him and the team. There is a possibility, but we have to wait and see."
Tielemans has made over 150 appearances for the Foxes after he joined the club from Monaco for £32m in 2019. He has scored some important goals during his time at Leicester, including the winner in the FA Cup final against Chelsea last year.
