West Ham are interested in a deal to bring former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante back to the Premier League.
Kante left Chelsea to sign for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad last summer but West Ham have opened initial talks about a deal.
The transfer of the Frenchman would cost in the region of £20m, though Sky Sports are reporting that the player’s wages could be a stumbling block for the Hammers after signing a lucrative contract in the Middle East.
Kante made 46 appearances for Al-Ittihad in 2023-24, though it proved to be a disappointing domestic campaign for the domestic champions who finished fifth in the SPL despite their marquee recruits.
However, the 33-year-old returned to the France team for the European Championship and featured in all six games as Les Bleus reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
West Ham have been active in the transfer window under new head coach Julen Lopetegui, having signed Max Kilman from Wolves in a £40m deal.
Luis Guilherme and Wes Foderingham have also been added to the squad, while the Irons are in negotiations with Manchester United to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka. West Ham have agreed a loan deal to sign Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice but fear the player’s preference is a move to Juventus.
Read – Seven Premier League transfers you might have missed this summer
See more – Five players Chelsea should sell this summer