Manchester United have been loosely linked with a shock move for Chelsea and France midfielder N'Golo Kante.
The World Cup winning defensive midfielder has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and has made just six starts since the Premier League's resumption in June, with injuries troubling him throughout the 2019/20 season.
Now, Chelsea are rumoured to be open to selling the 29-year-old, though it does come in the form of one line from the Mirror which reads: "United have tentatively been linked with Kante in the past, but could step up their interest in the midfielder if he is made available for a good price."
The Blues have already been busy in the transfer market, confirming the signings of Moroccan star Hakim Ziyech and RB Leipzig's Timo Werner long before the end of the season, while maintaining their interest in German midfielder Kai Havertz.
Should the west Londoners continue their pursuit of the Bayer Leverkusen star, they may have to raise funds through player sales. Kante is reportedly one of the names that Frank Lampard is willing to let go in order to complete the signing of Havertz.
However, Chelsea finished just one point behind United last season and are likely to compete with them again for a Champions League place in the coming term. It seems bizarre that the Blues would sell to a direct rival, especially a player as talented as Kante.
Furthermore, while Lampard's team have added some much needed firepower to their ranks, they still lack the defensive solidity that plagued them for large parts of last season. Chelsea conceded the most goals of any team in the top half, with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in particular looking shaky. The sale of Kante would weaken an already flimsy backline.
The Red Devils' priorities in the transfer window are also clearly elsewhere. The long-running Jadon Sancho saga is still yet to reach its conclusion, and they have since shown interest in Arsenal target Gabriel Magalhaes.
Should Kante make the unlikely switch to Old Trafford, he will compete with former teammate Nemanja Matic, Brazilian midfielder Fred, and Scotland international Scott McTominay for a starting place.
Source : 90min