Few players are universally adored across a broad range of Premier League fans but France international N'Golo Kante falls firmly into that category.
The veteran midfielder was the beating heart of a Leicester City side who shocked the football world with an incredible Premier League title win back in 2016.
Despite accepting an immediate transfer switch to Chelsea ahead of the 2016/17 campaign, Kante remains adored by Leicester fans, and the wider Premier League.
Across seven seasons at Stamford Bridge, he continued to collect trophies, including another Premier League crown, alongside four FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League title in 2021.
🔵 N'Golo Kanté: the complete player giving a breathtaking performance in 2021 final 🙌@nglkante 🥳@ChelseaFC | #HBD | #UCL pic.twitter.com/0vEhZlmSOU
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 29, 2022
However, despite his enduring importance to the Blues, the club opted against renewing his contract last summer as he accepted a lucrative switch to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.
His current deal in the Middle East runs until 2026, and the 33-year-old is not openly seeking a move away, but there is rumoured transfer interest in him.
As per the latest update from The Guardian, his impressive performances in the France engine room at Euro 2024 has sparked interest in the Premier League, with West Ham United said to be potentially interested in a £20million ( $25m) deal.
Midfield is a key area for new Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui, with Kalvin Phillips returning to Manchester City following a disappointing loan spell at the London Stadium, and talks with Kante's representatives have reportedly begun.
