N’Golo Kante on brink of signing new Chelsea contract as midfielder returns to training after long injury lay-off
N’GOLO KANTE is on the brink of signing a new Chelsea contract, according to reports.
The news comes as the French midfielder makes his long-awaited return to first-team training in a double Blues boost.
Kante’s current Stamford Bridge contract expires at the end of the season in just four months’ time.
But according to The Telegraph, talks between Chelsea and his representatives have been successful.
And now Kante, 31, is close to putting pen to paper over an extension – just as Thiago Silva did earlier this month.
The former Leicester man will therefore leave the likes of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid and even Liverpool disappointed, with the European giants both interested in a free transfer swoop.
Kante, who is said to be settled in London after his 2016 move from the King Power, has won every trophy available in his six-and-a-half seasons at Chelsea except the Carabao Cup.
The 53-cap star earns a reported £290,000 per week at Chelsea after signing his latest contract in 2018.
He has made 262 Blues appearances, chipping in with 13 goals.
But the World Cup winner is yet to feature under Graham Potter, despite the ex-Brighton manager replacing Thomas Tuchel in September.
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His two appearances this term came at Everton and against Tottenham in August but has been out of action since due to his hamstring injury picked up in that 2-2 draw that forced him out of the World Cup.
The report adds that Kante warmed up with his team-mates on Tuesday morning as part of the preparations for Sunday’s trip to Spurs – although he did not take a full part in the training session.