Real Madrid transfer news: Zinedine Zidane 'targets' Leicester City's N'Golo Kante

The 25-year-old has emerged as one of Europe's most highly-coveted defensive midfielders

Kante helped guide Leicester to their shock Premier League victory (Getty)

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has outlined his desire to bring Leicester City’s N’Golo Kante to the Bernabeu this summer, reports suggest.

In a bid to strengthen Madrid’s defensive midfield, the Frenchman has identified Kante as the perfect candidate after the midfield maestro enjoyed a fantastic season at Premier League champions Leicester.

With Casemiro as the club’s only current defensive midfielder, Kante would provide sufficient competition to the Brazilian and provide an effective cover should he fall victim to injury.

According to Spanish newspapers Marca and AS, Madrid are poised to activate the Frenchman’s release clause which is understood to be in the region of £20m.

Madrid have allegedly been tracking the Leicester play since January but face stiff competition for the 25-year-old who has garnered interest from a number of top European clubs.

Paris Saint-Germain have been extensively linked with Kante while the Sun recently reported that Juventus have now joined the race to secure the player’s signature with Paul Pogba likely to leave the club.

If Madrid were to get their man, Kante’s transfer would mark a notable break with the club’s tradition of only signing ‘Galacticos’ – world-class players who have already established themselves at the height of club football.


 Kante has impressed for France at Euro 2016 
 (Getty)

Barely a year has passed since Leicester signed Kante from French side Caen who only secured promotion to France’s Ligue 1 two seasons ago.

Kante has gone on to take the football world by storm and has been widely praised by fans and pundits alike.

After a stellar debut season with Leicester, the Frenchman earned a call-up to the national side and has since consolidated a place in the starting line-up for Euro 2016.

He has shone in this year’s tournament but won’t play in France’s quarter-final clash against Iceland due to suspension after picking up a yellow in their last-16 clash with the Republic of Ireland.