Barcelona 'reignite N'Golo Kante interest' after West Ham bid rejected

Barcelona have reignited their interest in France international N'Golo Kante, a report has claimed.

Kante had been a target for Barca when his Chelsea contract expired in 2023, but the midfielder instead opted to take his talents to Saudi Arabia and join Al Ittihad.

He exploded back on the European radar this summer with a surprise return to the France squad for Euro 2024. Many fans were left impressed by Kante's current level and West Ham United even launched an ambitious bid to try and bring the 33-year-old back to England.

According to SPORT, Kante's performances have also caught the eye of Barca, who have once again added the Frenchman to their list of summer targets.

It is claimed Barca see Kante as a potential "low-cost target", with the La Liga side eyeing an ambitious loan deal for the Al Ittihad star.

Such a proposal will not interest Al Ittihad, who made it clear to West Ham that a bid of £15m fell well short of their asking price for a player who is considered a crucial part of both the present and future of the club.

Kante is not thought to be looking to leave Al Ittihad and a lack of interest in joining Barca likely ends any hope the Blaugrana may have had of getting a deal over the line.

Barca are seeking a comparatively cheap midfielder to provide some extra energy to Hansi Flick's team and are known admirers of Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino, who could be an affordable target as he enters the final year of his contract.

Athletic Club winger Nico Williams is a top target for the club, while 90min understands there is a desire to bring Dani Olmo back to the club even after his release clause with RB Leipzig expired.

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