N'Golo Kante could be set for a shock return to English football, reports claim.
Kante left England in June 2023, signing for Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad on a free transfer after his deal at Chelsea expired.
The midfielder made 46 appearances in all competitions and helped the team win the league title in his first campaign.
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But while many thought Kante was ending the twilight years of his career, the 33-year-old was a start for France at Euro 2024 and rolled back the years with a series of superb performances in the middle of the park.
And it appears as though it could result in a surprise move for Kante.
According to The Guardian, West Ham are looking to bring Kante back to the Premier League ahead of the 2024/25 new season.
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Kante is happy with his current situation but is believed to open to returning to London, where he spent seven years living.
West Ham and Al Ittihad are locked in negotiations and both sides are hopeful of getting the deal over the line - with £20 million the transfer fee being quoted.
New manager Julen Lopetegui is desperate for a new defensive midfielder and is a huge fan of Kante, who he wanted to sign when he was Real Madrid manager in 2018.
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Former Manchester City midfielder Aleix Garcia had been a target prior to joining Bayer Leverkusen but Kante brings experience and reliability.
He first came to England in 2015, signing for Leicester from Caen for a bargain fee of £5.6 million and playing a key role in an unforgettable Premier League title win.
Kante bagged a £32 million move to Chelsea and secured a second Premier League title triumph in a row, also winning the PFA Player of the Year award.
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He has played 227 times in the Premier League, scoring 12 goals and registering 17 assists.
Topics: NGolo Kante, West Ham United, Premier League, Chelsea, Leicester City
Josh Lawless