N'Golo Kante 'set for shock short-term loan move' ahead of the Club World Cup - with France star 'to be reunited' with former Chelsea team-mate

Daily Mail​

3 days ago

Saudi giants Al-Hilal are in talks to sign N'Golo Kante from Al-Ittihad on a short-term loan deal ahead of the Club World Cup, according to reports.
The new tournament kicks off in the United States on Sunday June 15, with Al Ahly taking on Inter Miami in the tournament's opening match.
In total, 32 teams will take part from all over the globe, including Manchester City and Chelsea from England as well as the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus and Bayern Munich.
Another one of those teams involved is Al-Hilal, who are the only side from the Saudi Pro League who will be competing in the competition.
Ahead of the tournament starting on Sunday, a number of clubs are scrambling to get deals over the line and the Saudi giants are no different.
According to The Athletic, Al-Hilal are pushing to sign Kante from rivals Al-Ittihad on a short-term loan deal in order to have him available for the competition.
The outlet claim that, while an agreement is yet to be reached, there is optimism that a deal can be struck.
Should he complete the switch, Kante would be reunited with former Chelsea team-mate Kalidou Koulibaly - who also made the move to Saudi Arabia back in 2023.
Both Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad are controlled by Saudi's Public Investment Fund - who also Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli.
The 34-year-old has spent two years in the Saudi Pro League after completing a move from Chelsea back in 2023.
Since making that move, the midfielder has made 81 appearances and scored eight goals - helping them lift the SPL title in the most recent campaign.
Along with Al-Hilal, a number of teams in the competition are vying to get their deals done however, for one of them, that will not be the case.
On Tuesday morning, Chelsea saw their move for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan fall through after the two clubs failed to reach an agreement on the fee.
The Blues had stepped up their interest in the Frenchman in recent days and hoped to complete a deal before the transfer window closes ahead of the Club World Cup.
But Enzo Maresca 's side were unwilling to pay Milan's fee, which they believe was inflated due to their will to sign him in time for the competition.
It is understood that Milan want around £20m for Maignan, who has one year remaining on his contract at San Siro.
A deal between AC Milan and the Conference League winners is now off, according to Fabrizio Romano, who cited Chelsea's frustration at a 'Club World Cup tax'.
A special transfer window, which allows clubs to complete deals before the tournament kicks off on Saturday, ends on Tuesday before reopening next week.