‘Ongoing discussions’ with Chelsea over N’Golo Kanté’s contract extension

According to L’Équipe, while Chelsea and France midfielder N’Golo Kanté is taking positive steps to recover from a hamstring injury, talks of a new contract for the European Cup winner world 2018 would be “in progress”.

That’s according to sources contacted by The Team on both sides of the talks, and it doesn’t go so far as to suggest the two sides are close to a deal – which was recently reported by The Times.

It’s unclear whether the World Cup winner, who is aware of the interest of several Spanish and Italian clubs in his profile, wants to move quickly to agree a new deal, or not.

Earlier this month, Foot Mercato reported that Chelsea were close to agreeing Kanté on a contract extension – and were awaiting the France international’s response.

Kanté’s contract at the London club is due to expire this summer, so he is free to negotiate with other clubs. According to Foot Mercato, Al-Nassr, the Saudi club who have just signed Cristiano Ronaldo, are interested in making a move for the former Leicester City man, but an offer has yet to materialise.