LEICESTER’S failure to secure Champions League football is set to cost them the chance to persuade Ben Chilwell his future remains at the club.
Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in the England star.
The Foxes had hoped to be able to offer top-level European football as a carrot to convince him to stay at the King Power.
But their late-season collapse saw a top-four finish slip through their fingers with 23-year-old Chilwell’s two suitors making the cut instead.
There would be more money on offer if Chilwell did push for a move but that is not the only factor in making his mind up.
He also wants to cement his place as England’s first-choice left-back with the Euros looming — and Champions League football helps his cause.
But manager Brendan Rodgers went on record to announce Chilwell is not for sale.
He said: “He’s not a player we want to lose. I’m quite relaxed on it. I’m not worried at all.
“We’ve got a fantastic squad that we want to keep together so I don’t worry.
“You can spin it whichever way you want. There is no intention to sell Ben Chilwell and there is absolutely no need for us to sell Ben Chilwell.
“If you want a message, the message is he’s not for sale.”
Leicester have decided against the permanent signing of Wolves centre-back Ryan Bennett.
The Foxes had the option to buy him for £5million but he will now return to Molineux.
