N'Golo Kante: Barcelona lead chase for Chelsea midfielder

• Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante is expected to leave Stamford Bridge next summer on a free transfer
• Kante's deal with the Blues is set to expire in the coming months, putting top European clubs on red alert
• Reports suggest Barcelona are leading the hunt for the French midfielder after touting him as an ideal replacement for Busquets
• Serie A giants Inter Milan and Juventus are also thought to be keeping close tabs on the 2018 World Cup winner

N'Golo Kante is reportedly closing in on a Chelsea exit, with Barcelona reportedly favourites to sign him.

The Frenchman is in the final months of his Stamford Bridge contract, with his deal with the Blues set to expire in the summer.

And with no new deal in sight, the Premier League winner has been compelled to seek alternatives elsewhere.

The Sun reports Barcelona are leading the race to sign Kante, with the versatile midfielder hoping a deal can be reached sooner.

Chelsea plot Old Trafford raid to sign Manchester United winger

Football

Who else wants Kante?

However, the publication claims Kante's injury record, especially this year could work against him in his hunt for the next club.

The former Leicester City star is currently working on his way to full fitness after battling with a hamstring injury for weeks now which saw him miss the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Be that as it may, Sport claim that Barca rate him highly and have touted him as an ideal replacement for Sergio Busquets should the Spaniard depart in the summer.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are expected to face stiff competition from other top European clubs in their pursuit to sign Kante.

Reports suggest that Serie A giants Juventus and Inter Milan are keeping close tabs on the midfielder.

Thiago Silva holidaying in the Maldives

Man United suffer 4:2 humiliating defeat against Cadiz during World Cup tour

Football

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Thiago Silva is in the Maldives with his family to unwind after his involvement in the 2022 World Cup.

The experienced centre-back was part of Brazil's squad which was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Silva is expected to link up with the rest of his Chelsea teammates in the coming days ahead of the resumption of the Premier League.