Chelsea have opened negotiations with N’Golo Kante over a new contract, according to reports in France.

However, it seems the France international and the club are still quite far apart from agreeing a new deal to keep him at Stamford Bridge.

Kante’s current contract runs until 2021, but the Blues are said to be keen to ward off a potential bid from Paris Saint-Germain who are interested in signing the 27-year-old.

The midfielder revealed earlier this month that PSG made contact after the World Cup about a move to the Ligue One side, but the Frenchman said he turned down the proposal:

“There was some contact with PSG, yes. However, after a discussion with the club, I realised that the main thing for me was to feel good where I was then and am now. I am with Chelsea – staying with Chelsea is good for me.”

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to make Kante one of the highest paid players at the club, and at this stage, it seems that the odds are in favour of a new deal being agreed.

The holding midfield player has played every single minute in the Premier League this season under Maurizio Sarri.