Chelsea hopeful of Drinkwater deal despite high asking price
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is looking for midfield reinforcements following Matic's £40m departure to Man United and the Italian coach has targeted Drinkwater to fill the gap.
Conte remains hopeful of bringing in Drinkwater although Leicester want £40m for the English midfielder.
The 27-year-old has four years remaining on his contract after signing an improved deal last summer but he is reportedly keen to join the current Premier League champions.
Chelsea are set to offer £25m with add-ons which will likely be rejected but an offer closer to £30m plus add-ons may well lead to some progress in the deal.
After the departure of Matic, the Blues boss has identified several other targets to replace him including Renato Sanches from Bayern Munich, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal and Everton's Ross Barkley.
Drinkwater, as well as Oxlade-Chamberlain and Barkley would also boost Chelsea's homegrown contingent.
Whilst Drinkwater may be keen on the move, he may end up with more of a squad role as new signing Bakayoko is likely to be first choice to partner N'Golo Kante once he reaches full fitness.
Meanwhile, Deportivo La Coruna have offered to take Diego Costa on loan from Atletico Madrid should they manage to struck a deal with Costa's current club Chelsea. Atletico are unable to register players until 2018.