Manchester United are reportedly lining up a shock move for N’Golo Kante, who is valued at €60 million by Premier League rivals Chelsea.

According to a report by Italian publication Tuttosport, Manchester United are weighing up an ambitious move for N’Golo Kante heading into the final weeks of the summer transfer window. The French international, who is also the subject of interest from Inter Milan, has been priced at €60 million by Chelsea.

Kante joined Chelsea from Leicester City in the summer of 2016 and was an instant success at Stamford Bridge. Arriving at the west London club on the back of a stunning 2015/16 campaign, the Frenchman went on to do a repeat for the Blues, playing a key role as they won the Premier League title. Kante, meanwhile, was named the PFA Player of the Year.

Since then, he has consistently performed whenever he has taken to the pitch, but has been pegged back by a spate of injuries in recent times. As a result, Kante managed to start just 25 games for Chelsea last term. And, heading into this summer’s transfer window, his Chelsea future is up in the air, with Inter Milan and now, Manchester United vying for his signature.

Manchester United have already bolstered their midfield this summer by securing the services of Donny van de Beek. However, defensive midfield remains a position that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should be addressing before the window slams shut.

Could Kante end up joining Manchester United from Chelsea? (Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images)
Could Kante end up joining Manchester United from Chelsea? (Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images)

Currently, Nemanja Matic is the first-choice holding midfielder for Manchester United after enjoying a resurgent 2019/20 campaign. However, the former Chelsea midfielder is on the wrong side of 30 and will need phasing out soon. At present, the alternatives at Solskjaer’s disposal are Fred and Scott McTominay, neither of whom is fully convincing as a defensive midfielder.

As a result, Manchester United need to strengthen the position, which explains why they have been linked with Boubakary Soumare of late. Now, Kante has emerged on their radar as well, with the report claiming that Manchester United are planning to audaciously swoop him away from Chelsea.

As for Inter Milan, they have been active in the transfer market this summer and are said to be keen on signing two midfielders, with Arturo Vidal set to join them. Antonio Conte, though, is eager to be reunited with former Chelsea charge Kante as well.

Having said that, the Blues’ €60 million asking price is proving to be a hindrance for the Nerazzurri. Tuttosport do suggest that Manchester United are likelier to meet Chelsea’s valuation, although it will be interesting to see if the west Londoners are ready to sell Kante to their rivals.

Meanwhile, Frank Lampard has squashed the rumours of a possible exit for the French international, iterating that he is fundamental for Chelsea. What now remains to be seen is if Manchester United do end up making a €60 million move for Kante or if Inter Milan take the lead instead.

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