Manchester United are “long term admirers” of Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante but they believe the Frenchman could use them as “leverage” in negotiations over a new contract with the Blues, according to Goal reporter James Robson.
The website’s United correspondent claims there is a danger that the Red Devils will be “used as a bargaining tool” by Kante and his representatives, with the player only having a year remaining on his current deal at Stamford Bridge:
United are preparing for protracted pursuit of De Jong:
🔹’Stars have to align’ to get it done
🔹Other targets discussed inc Phillips
🔹Conscious of being used as leverage in Kante Chelsea contract talks #mufc https://t.co/uyCZxfiojm— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) June 7, 2022
Respected journalists have mentioned Kante as a target for United manager Erik ten Hag but, despite his undoubted ability, there would be some serious reservations about going after the midfielder.
There are not only questions about whether he would be genuinely interested in moving to Old Trafford, but he is now 31 years of age, and he has begun to pick up injuries on a regular basis. Many fans would much prefer the club to pursue a younger alternative.
