West Ham transfer news: Julen Lopetegui offered hope in N'Golo Kante pursuit?

Recent reports have linked the 33-year-old with a sensational return to the Premier League, just 12 months after leaving Chelsea on a free transfer.

Kante was regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in world football during his seven-year stay at Chelsea, where he made 269 appearance and won six major honours including the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup, as well as being named the Premier League and PFA's Player of the Year in 2016-17.

Prior to joining Chelsea for £32m, Kante made a name for himself during his one and only season at Leicester City, where he played a pivotal role in a Foxes side that defined all the odds to win the 2015-16 Premier League title.

Kante now plies his trade in the Middle East with Al Ittihad, where he chipped in with four goals and six assists in 44 appearances last season as the former Saudi Pro League champions had to settle for a fifth-place finish.

Kante eager to seal Premier League return?

The France international still has two years remaining on his £86m-a-year contract at Al Ittihad, but it is understood that West Ham are keen to bring the midfielder back to England this summer.

Earlier this week, West Ham opened talks with Al Ittihad to discuss the possibility of signing Kante and submitted a bid in the region of £15m.

However, multiple reports, including one from The Athletic, claims that Al Ittihad have rejected the offer and are holding out for a fee closer to £25m for a player they signed just 12 months ago.

Kante is said to be happy at his current club and is expected to join Al Ittihad's training camp ahead of the 2024-25 season following a post-Euro 2024 break.

However, all is not lost for West Ham as Give Me Sport reports that Kante has shown a willingness to return to the Premier League this summer.

Kante open to taking wage cut to join West Ham?

The report adds that Kante is open to embarking on a fresh challenge at the London Stadium, which would be his preferred destination if he were to return to England.

Kante is even open to taking a wage cut from his current £400,000-a-week earnings and his financial demands will be realistic for West Ham if he is given the green light to leave Al Ittihad.

As things stand, Al Ittihad remain hopeful of convincing him to stay on board with the Saudi Arabian giants, but West Ham are expected to return with an improved offer.

West Ham's new head coach Julen Lopetegui is said to be a long-term admirer of Kante and allegedly attempted to sign the midfielder during his brief spell in charge of Real Madrid.

The Hammers are on the lookout for a new defensive midfielder after opting against re-signing Kalvin Phillips, following an unsuccessful loan spell from Manchester City, and after selling Flynn Downes to Southampton for £18m.