West Ham United are said to be eyeing a move for N’Golo Kante, the former Chelsea and Leicester City midfielder, in the January transfer window.
The Hammers have already brought in two new faces this month but remain active in their efforts to add more before the deadline.
Nuno Espirito Santo is under pressure at West Ham, but the board appear to be backing him in the transfer market despite his side being seven points adrift of safety.
West Ham not the only club interested in N’Golo Kante
Give Me Sport’s Ben Jacobs reports that West Ham have made an enquiry about the midfielder in the last two days.
But they aren’t the only club after the 65-cap France international.
Turkish side Fenerbahce are believed to be ahead in the race for Kante, who won the World Cup with France in 2018.
The Turkish side feel confident that they have reached an agreement with Kante, but still need to settle on a fee with Al-Ittihad.
Kante’s contract in Saudi Arabia is due to expire at the end of this season, so it will be interesting to see what fee is agreed upon if he leaves before then.
Jacobs said: “Kante wants the move. Fenerbahce are the frontrunners, even though I’m told West Ham also made another enquiry in the last 48 hours, but Fenerbahce are leading the race. “They’re confident that they’ve got buy-in from him.”
Kante likely to choose Fenerbahce move over West Ham return
Now 34, Kante has nothing left to prove. A World Cup winner, a Champions League winner, and a Premier League title under his belt – he’s done it all.
With that in mind, it’s understandable why he’d want to wind down his career in a league that doesn’t push him to the absolute limit. While he’s had an outstanding career, his best days are behind him, and keeping up with the pace of English football might be too much at this stage.
Turkey looks like a good fit for where he is now. He’d likely stand out and have the chance to finish his playing days on a positive note.
And with Fenerbahce fighting for trophies while West Ham face another relegation scrap, there’s little reason for him to turn down such an opportunity in favour of a return to England.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
