Chelsea will reportedly be unable to sign Leicester City defender Ben Chilwell during the January transfer window despite identifying the England international as a leading target.

The Blues, having had their FIFA-imposed transfer ban overturned on appeal, have allegedly identified Chilwell as the perfect player to fill their left-back spot moving forward.

Frank Lampard's side were reportedly hopeful of securing a deal at the start of 2020, but according to football.london, their hopes of a January swoop are 'infinitesimal'.

Neither Marcos Alonso nor Emerson Palmieri has convinced on the left side of defence during the 2019-20 campaign, and both players have been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge.

Chilwell - tipped to be England's left-back at Euro 2020 - has contributed one goal and three assists in 17 appearances for Leicester during the 2019-20 campaign.

The 23-year-old has a contract at the King Power Stadium until the summer of 2024.