N’Golo Kante contract talks ‘into final stages’ with star expected to commit future to Chelsea after long lay-off
N’GOLO KANTE’S contract talks are into the final stages, according to reports.
And the midfielder looks set to commit his future to Chelsea.
Kante, 31, is out of contract at the end of this season in just three months’ time.
Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are both monitoring his situation in the hope of securing a free transfer, while Liverpool were also linked.
However, they are all expected to be left disappointed with Fabrizio Romano stating Kante is close to putting pen to paper on an extension at Stamford Bridge.
SunSport understands that the deal will likely run until 2025 – with Chelsea having the option to trigger an additional 12 months.
The Frenchman enjoys life in London so has been keen to stay put having made 262 appearances since joining from Premier League champions Leicester in 2016.
The negotiations have rumbled on despite Kante not featuring since August due to a hamstring injury that also ruled him out of the World Cup.
It means he is yet to play under manager Graham Potter, who took over in September.
Potter said this month: “Managers before me have spoken very highly of N’Golo because he’s a top, top player.
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“He’s been a huge miss for us. Great for us for him to be back. We have to be mindful.
“We have to take the steps to get him back up to speed.”
Kante returned to training earlier in March and was an unused sub against Everton before turning out in a behind-closed-doors 3-0 friendly win against Charlton on Friday.
Mason Mount – who withdrew from the England squad as he regains fitness – and Thiago Silva cheered on Kante at the Cobham training ground.
Fellow midfielder Mount even wore a ‘Kante 7’ home Chelsea shirt backwards to show his support.
The struggling Blues will be back in action a week on Saturday, welcoming Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge, before facing Liverpool and Real Madrid either side of a trip to Wolves.