Saudi Pro League side, Al Ittihad are reportedly fighting to keep Ngolo Kante at the club following West Ham United registered interest in the France international.
According to talkSPORT, the Hammers, who are managed by Julen Lopetegui, are keen to see the Chelsea legend return to the Premier League.
The French midfielder, who was one of the few players for Les Bleus to stand out at Euro 2024, appeared to be in line for a £20 million deal.
The 33-year-old put his injury issues behind him to appear in all but four Saudi Pro League games last season. And the Jeddah-based club are not willing to let him go.
They will have to battle to hang onto the defensive midfielder, who is not against coming back to London this summer.
After Kalvin Phillips poor loan stint at West Ham from Manchester City, the Hammers are eager to add more depth to their midfield.
Since Kante has been on Lopetegui’s radar for a while, and while Phillips had returned to the Etihad with no long-term deal imminent in east London, the signing is desired.
During his brief spell as Real Madrid manager in 2018, Lopetegui made attempts to sign the midfield player while he was playing for Chelsea.
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As he made just seven Premier League appearances in the 22–23 season. His fitness issues were thought to follow him after he left Stamford Bridge on a free transfer last year.
With Al Ittihad and France, though, Kante has returned to his best, and West Ham may need to benefit greatly from his experience.
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