Ben Chilwell has opened up on the role Frank Lampard played in helping him to decide to join Chelsea.
The England international has put pen-to-paper on a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge, and ends Chelsea's search for a new left-back this summer, with Frank Lampard desperate to add quality in that position.
The Blues were also linked with the likes of Ajax's Nicolas Tagliafico and Real Madrid defender Sergio Reguilon, but it is understood Chilwell was always Lampard's first choice target.
It is thought Leicester were holding out for a fee closer to the £80million they received for Harry Maguire last summer, but the Foxes' failure to qualify for the Champions League damaged their negotiating position, and Chelsea eventually agreed on a deal worth in the region of £50million.
Speaking after the deal was announced, Chilwell explained why he made the switch to west London and cited Blues boss Lampard as a key factor behind his decision.
"Massively important," Chilwell told the Chelsea app, when asked about Lampard's influence on the deal.
"I obviously wanted to play for a massive club but talking to Frank before I came was one of the main reasons I wanted to come.
"He installed a lot of confidence in me and told me how the system suits the way I play.
"He seemed a really good guy you can talk to about stuff away from football.
"That's very important for a young player, a manager you can get on with and talk to stuff about.
"He's very keen on young players, you can see that since he's been here.
"Talking to him was a massive reason for me wanting to come."
