Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their attempts to sign a new defender in the summer transfer window with Wesley Fofana agreeing a new contract with Leicester City.
The Blues were linked with a move for the 21-year-old defender in December, with Goal reporting that the west Londoners were eyeing the Foxes centre-back as a possible replacement for Antonio Rudiger.
Rudiger, as well as Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen, all see their respective contracts at Stamford Bridge expire at the end of the season.
The latter of the three, Rudiger, looks increasingly likely to leave the club despite months of negotiations with Chelsea over improved terms on his contract.
The likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are said to be interested in the Germany international, with his financial demands thought to be beyond what Chelsea are prepared to pay.
Jules Kounde continues to be strongly linked with a move to the Blues, but Fofana, who had been spoken about, will now be staying at Leicester for the foreseeable future.
"I'm really happy to sign a new contract," Fofana said to Leicester's official website. "It shows the Club have confidence in me offering me a contract to 2027.
"I'm really happy to be here. It's my Club, I love the fans, so I'm really happy and really looking forward to being back playing.
"I love everything about the Club. I love the city, I love the fans. It's a family which is what I love the most. Everyone is close and gets on well.
"We also have a great team and are continuing to progress, with a desire to win more trophies. That's why I have committed my future to the Club until 2027. I want to achieve more with the Club. There is a lot of talent here and still a lot more we can do together."
Former Leicester striker Gary Lineker reacted to the news on Twitter and was delighted that his old club had agreed terms with the talented defender.
Lineker tweeted: "Excellent news. Can't wait to see @Wesley_Fofanaa (the right @ this time) back on the pitch. Been hugely missed this season."
The French defender is yet to play for the Foxes this term after he suffered a medial ligament injury in pre-season.
However, Fofana returned to training last month as he continues his rehabilitation in order to play competitive football once again.
