Danny Drinkwater, right, is believed to be keen on a move to Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea remain confident of signing Danny Drinkwater and reportedly believe Leicester City are only delaying a sale as they are searching for a replacement.

England international Drinkwater emerged as a target for Antonio Conte after the Blues sanctioned Nemanja Matic’s transfer to Manchester United.

Drinkwater, 27, helped Leicester win a remarkable title in 2016 and has developed into one of the club’s most important players since arriving at the King Power five years ago.

Conte is believed to be an admirer of the midfielder and feels the former Man United youth player can add much-needed competition to his squad at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have so far shown a willingness to spend around £25million on Drinkwater but Leicester, keen to keep Craig Shakespeare’s squad together, value the player at around £40m.

The England international is a key player at the King Power (Picture: Getty)

But despite City’s stance the Telegraph say Chelsea are still hopeful of striking a deal before the summer window closes on Thursday night.

It is also claimed that Drinkwater is keen on a move to west London despite the prospect of facing substantial competition for a place in the Chelsea side.

Conte is also believed to be interested in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ross Barkley – speaking on Sunday the Italian offered an update on the club’s pursuit of transfer targets.

‘There are four days to go in the transfer market,’ Conte said. ‘I think the club is working very hard to try to improve our squad.

Antonio Conte is keen to bolster his squad (Picture: Getty)

‘Don’t forget that in September we have to play seven games and I need to rotate my players because it’s very difficult to play seven games in a month with the same players.

‘The club is working hard to strengthen the squad. They know very well our situation.

‘But I repeat I’m ready in every case to continue to work with this group of players.’

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