Chelsea poised to make bid for N'Golo Kante

Chelsea have made their move for N’Golo Kante, with the France midfielder appearing certain to leave Leicester this summer.

The end of Euro 2016 means Kante has completed international duty for the summer, leaving him free to negotiate with clubs who activate his £20million release clause.

Interest from Paris Saint-Germain has faded since manager Laurent Blanc was replaced by Unai Emery and Kante is not keen on a move to China despite reports that Shanghai SIPG are prepared to pay £35m.

The prospect of a bidding war with China’s big-spenders will not appeal to Chelsea but they have made it clear they are prepared to pay more than £20m and open negotiations for a player who cost £5.6m when signed from Caen last year. 

They are confident they can convince Kante of a move to Stamford Bridge despite not playing in European competition next season.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte will start his new job when he arrives at the club's Cobham training complex on Tueday and is expected to register his interest in Kante, 25, with a formal bid.

Conte will begin his pre-season programme on Wednesday before taking the squad to Austria, where they will continue to train and play two games, starting with Rapid Vienna, on Saturday.

Chelsea have been unable to land the Italian’s top transfer targets. To date, the only summer recruit has been 22-year-old Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi, signed for £33m from Marseille.