MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 00:54:20| >> :60:3124:3124:

Chelsea 'planning N'Golo Kante contract talks amid Manchester United speculation'

Chelsea 'planning Kante contract talks amid Man United speculation'
© Reuters
Chelsea want to hand Manchester United-linked N'Golo Kante a new contract, according to a report.

Chelsea are reportedly keen to hand N'Golo Kante a contract extension at Stamford Bridge.

The France international has again been a vital player for the Blues this season, featuring on 40 occasions in all competitions, contributing two goals and five assists in the process.

The 31-year-old's current deal is due to expire next June, though, and there has recently been speculation surrounding his future, with Manchester United said to be interested in him.

A recent report claimed that incoming Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag believes that the World Cup winner is an attainable target this summer and will push for his signature.

However, according to journalist Ekrem Konur, Chelsea are planning to hold discussions with the midfielder over a contract extension.

N'Golo Kante warms up for Chelsea in December 2021© Reuters

The report claims that the Blues are planning to offer Kante the chance to sign a new deal until June 2026, although there will not be able to be any firm movement until the club's ownership issues have been addressed.

Kante has contributed two goals and four assists in 24 Premier League appearances this season, but he has struggled with injury problems in 2021-22, leading to speculation that Thomas Tuchel's side could be prepared to let him leave.

The midfielder has represented Chelsea on 258 occasions since arriving from Leicester City in 2016, contributing 13 goals and 15 assists in the process, lifting the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup during a successful spell.

Kante was only a substitute for Saturday's FA Cup final with Liverpool, though, being introduced in the 66th minute of the contest for Mateo Kovacic.

Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante lifts the Champions League trophy on May 29, 2021© Reuters

Konur adds that Man United are keeping a close eye on the developments and will make a move if Kante is unable to agree a new deal at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea, once their takeover has been completed, are expected to bolster their midfield this summer, while Jorginho could also be on the move, as he continues to be linked with a return to Italy.

The Blues are also losing Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger on free transfers this summer, while the futures of Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are unclear, so Tuchel's side could be forced to overhaul their defence in the upcoming market.

Chelsea will take on Leicester City and Watford in their final two Premier League matches of the campaign, and the club are yet to secure a top-four position in the table.

ID:485892:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5039:
Written by
Matt Law

N'Golo Kante future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about N'Golo Kante

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Liverpool players celebrate Fabinho's goal against Villarreal in the Champions League on May 3, 2022
Read Next:
Combined XI: Liverpool vs. Chelsea
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!