Manchester City 'consider Ben Chilwell as a possible replacement for Joao Cancelo'

Ben Chilwell could be on his way to join Manchester City in the summer after Pep Guardiola reportedly identified him as a replacement for out-of-favour Joao Cancelo.

The Englishman has only just recovered from injury to boost Chelsea's second-half of the season hopes but could be set for a switch to join another Premier League rival.

Chilwell has been on the periphery of Chelsea's squad under Graham Potter, becoming one of a large number of players finding themselves on the treatment table and on the bench since returning to fitness.

However, Guardiola and City may now try to lure the left-back away from London at the end of the season, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano writing for CaughtOffside that the Premier League champions have held strong interest for sometime.

'Ben Chilwell is one of the players who has been appreciated by Manchester City for years,' said Romano.

'For sure he's one of the LB to consider, but I'm told not the only one.

'They will have a shortlist of players in that position and will decide how to proceed together with Pep [Guardiola] in May/June.'

A clash between player and manager means Cancelo's surprise January loan departure for Bayern Munich would see City likely move the star on permanently in the summer.

There will be plenty of suitors interested in the Portuguese international, leaving the club with a clear-run at Chilwell.

Chelsea may look to ward off interest in their star but big-money arrivals at Stamford Bridge mean they may be forced to sell assets in an attempt to balance the books at the club.

Chilwell has made just 10 Premier League appearances for the Blues this season, with six minutes in a goalless draw against Fulham last time out marking his first appearance for the club since October.

However, players may be warded off joining City given their precarious situation after being charged by the Premier League in relation to financial breaches.

Guardiola is preparing to face one of his toughest Man City press conferences of his career on Friday as he sits down with the media for the first time since charges were brought against the club.