Inter Milan will not be pursuing Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante this summer, despite Antonio Conte being keen to sign him, according to reports in the Italian media.

The former Blues boss had asked the Nerazzurri to go after the Frenchman but they have now cooled their interest in the player after discovering the 29-year-old’s price tag.

Inter were hoping that they could sign Kante with an offer including add-ons and performance bonuses, but they have been told by Chelsea that they would have to pay at least €60m (£54m) up front, which is beyond the scope of their transfer budget.

It means that the France international is almost certain to stay at Stamford Bridge. There had been reports in England over the past month that Kante was on the list of players the club were prepared to let go for the right price.

The midfielder has struggled with injuries over the past year, leading to speculation about his future under manager Frank Lampard, but it looks as though he will not be on the move.