Juventus have reportedly thrown their hat in the ring with regards to signing Leicester City midfielder N’Golo Kante this summer.
The French international enjoyed a stellar campaign last year, playing a pivotal role in Claudio Ranieri side’s Premier League title-winning season.
However, there has been concern over his future at the King Power Stadium, particularly given that there is a £20m release clause in his contract which will be easily met by a number of top European clubs supposedly interested in the defensive midfielder.
According to Tuttosport, Juve are now a part of that race to sign the 25-year-old, although they have quite a battle on their hands given that Real Madrid are said to be at the front of the queue.
Zinedine Zidane is a keen admirer of his compatriot, and he sees him as an important piece to add to his squad to provide quality and depth alongside the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro.
A move to the Spanish capital would arguably be difficult to turn down for Kante, but he could now have a tough choice to make between there and Turin.
Juve also boast an impressive midfield line-up consisting of the likes of Paul Pogba, Sami Khedira and summer signing Miralem Pjanic, not to mention Claudio Marchisio who is recovering from a serious knee injury.
Whether there is space for Kante is up for debate, but the chance to join the Serie A champions who continue to dominate domestically and are geared for a shot at the Champions League next season would also be difficult to ignore.
There is still a chance that Kante could follow Jamie Vardy’s lead and sign an extension with the Foxes and remain with Ranieri for at least one more season as they take their seat at Europe’s top table.
However, it’s certainly becoming more and more difficult to see him stay when the top clubs in Europe are knocking on his door.