Manchester United are plotting a sensational bid for Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante - which has instantly been played down by manager Frank Lampard.
The Blues have enjoyed a heavy summer of spending, but may need to raise funds should they wish to strengthen their squad further.
Chelsea have spent over £200m to bring in Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva, Malang Sarr and Kai Havertz - transfers that have largely been funded by the previous sales of Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata.
The Blues are poised to land Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, while Declan Rice remains a target. West Ham are holding out for £80m for the midfielder, meaning Chelsea may have to part ways with someone in order to free up funds.
According to Italian news outlet Tuttosport, the club would be willing to cash in on Kante, and United are preparing to table an ambitious offer.
Chelsea are looking for £55m for the 29-year-old. Inter are also eying up the midfielder - manager Antonio Conte was the man who brought Kante to Stamford Bridge - but they will have to sell first before they can consider bidding for the French international, and would likely not meet Chelsea's valuation.
However, reports of cashing in on Kante have been quickly dismissed by Lampard.
“I think pretty much every club in the world would want N'Golo Kante,” the Chelsea boss told BBC Radio 5 Live [via the Daily Express]. “I have seen those reports as well. He is an incredible player and person and I certainly don't want to lose him. He's fundamental in terms of what I'm trying to do.
“We can obviously talk about the attacking players we have but someone like N'Golo and the work he does in midfield.
“It was a difficult year for him last year because of the injuries. He came into the season with an injury and it was a domino effect through the year. It was probably a culmination of four or five years of games, so I'm really excited to have him fit. He looks fresh, he's a big deal to me."
Source: 90min
