Chelsea star N'Golo Kante is reportedly a transfer target for new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag this summer.
The 31-year-old, who made his return from injury in the Blues' FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool on Saturday, only has a year left on his current deal to stay at Stamford Bridge. Ten Hag wants the World Cup winner at United next season as part of the huge rebuild that is required at Old Trafford ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, according to the Mirror.
Kante joined Chelsea for £32million in the summer of 2016 after helping Leicester City complete a fairytale season by winning the Premier League. The France international lifted the same trophy in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, becoming the first player since Eric Cantona to win back-to-back Premier League titles with two different clubs.
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Ten Hag is said to believe that Kante still has the ability, experience and hunger to help his young squad next season. With a summer of changes expected at both Chelsea and United, the Blues could cash in on the French midfielder to avoid a similar situation to what is currently happening with Antonio Rudiger.
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is expected to hand Thomas Tuchel a sizeable transfer budget once his £4.25billion takeover has been given the green light by the government and Premier League officials. This could see the Blues' squad drastically change ahead of next season, with United hoping to persuade Kante to make a move to Old Trafford.
Chelsea have already been linked with the likes of Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and West Ham star Declan Rice. However, the club's £150million valuation means a deal to bring the 23-year-old to the Bridge is unlikely this summer.
Kante has proved over the years just how much of a reliable performer he is, as well as being a serial winner after lifting the World Cup with France in 2018, the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup and FA Cup in his time at Chelsea. Ten Hag and United believe the 31-year-old still has plenty to offer and can add quality to a midfield lacking in that area.
