Enzo Maresca has already made his feeling clears on Cole Palmer as he nears becoming the next Chelsea manager.
The Italian is firmly in the frame to replace Mauricio Pochettino, with Chelsea asking Leicester for formal permission to speak with him.
He is expected to pen a two-year deal with the option of a third, while Leicester City are set to receive around £10 million in compensation.
Maresca guided Leicester back into the Premier League with a superb, 97-point season in the Championship and received plenty of plaudits for the style of play on show.
The 44-year-old spent part of his apprenticeship learning from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and managed the club’s Under 23 side, winning the Premier League 2 title.
It was there where he met Palmer, who has already become Chelsea’s talisman after a stunning 25-goal season for the Blues.
Leicester faced Chelsea in the FA Cup to set up a reunion between Palmer and Maresca, and the coach spoke glowingly of his talents.
