03 January 2023 , 10:22
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Brendan Rodgers expects to keep contract rebel Youri Tielemans this month and intends to continue to select the midfielder.
Leicester ’s FA Cup final hero from 2021 is into the final six months of his contract at the King Power Stadium and can now speak to overseas clubs. The Belgian international, who has 58 caps, has consistently refused to pen new terms amid interest from Arsenal.
But Foxes boss Rodgers has praised the star’s professionalism ahead of Tuesday's visit by Fulham. Rodgers also insists he hasn’t given up hope of keeping the ace, 25, long term despite a protracted contractual stand-off with City's £40million signing from Monaco in July 2019.
Rodgers assessed: “It has gone on for a while, but it's all based around the player, ultimately. His commitment is no less now to what it was when I first came in - if not even more. He's loved his time here and is still loving his time here.
"I respect that he's in his last year, of course I want to tie him down. He's been a brilliant player for this club and is still at a great age. It's something that has to be right for all parties.
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"Until I'm told he's not here, we work very well together. He's a coach's dream, with his professionalism and view of the game. Nothing changes for me in that aspect, we just continue to hopefully find a resolution to it and have him sign here. I think it's one where we want to do everything we can to convince him to stay.”
What is Tielemans' next club when he leaves Leicester? Comment here
Leicester have no intentions of letting Youri Tielemans leave this month (Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)Tielemans played all three games in Qatar for Belgium who crashed out of the World Cup early after coming third in Group F behind Morocco and Croatia.
But Rodgers added: "He's in a really good place, though obviously disappointing at the World Cup for him and his country. He's come back and looks really happy to come back. He's a wonderful player for us."