Latest Leicester City news from LeicestershireLive as Enzo Maresca’s side eye Chelsea youth Cesare Casadei ahead of promotion push

Leicester City are interested in signing Chelsea youngster Cesare Casadei.

According to the Telegraph, the 20-year-old is a loan target for City boss Enzo Maresca, who has identified the midfielder as a potential replacement to fill the void left by James Maddison, who joined Tottenham last month, and Harvey Barnes, who continues to attract interest from Newcastle.

Casadei spent the second half of last season on loan at Reading, making a total of 15 appearances as the club were relegated to League One. He signed for Chelsea from Inter Milan last year in a deal that could reach £17m with potential future add-ons.

In the meantime, Casadei is looking for regular game time before returning to compete for a place in Chelsea’s squad.

Casadei, who represents Italy Under-21s, has trained with the senior Italy squad under Roberto Mancini. He also helped the under-20s reach the World Cup final where they lost to Uruguay. However, he claimed the Golden Boot with seven goals, and was named the player of the tournament.

Casadei was previously the subject of interest from Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion. However, Unai Emery’s side have since signed Youri Tielemans on a free transfer following the expiration of his City contract. The Foxes have so far signed Harry Winks, Conor Coady and Callum Doyle (loan) in this transfer window.

Elsewhere, Brondby IF shot-stopper Mads Hermansen is also on the verge of completing a move to the King Power Stadum.