Erik ten Hag plotting shock move for Chelsea superstar as first Manchester United signing

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is said to be interested in signing Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante. The Dutchman is expected to dismantle and rebuild a United squad that has endured a dismal 2021-22 campaign.

According to the Mirror, Ten Hag wants to start his revolution at Old Trafford by signing Kante. The 52-year-old believes the Frenchman’s energy, tenacity and experience will strengthen United’s midfield, which the team must improve on this summer.

Kante rose to prominence during his time with Leicester City, winning the 2015-16 Premier League.

He joined Chelsea the following summer and won another league title and the ‘Premier League Player of the Year’ award in his first season. The Frenchman has also won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, FA Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

Kante could be an ‘achievable target’ for United, in contrast to the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni and Declan Rice. Chelsea director Thomas Tuchel will most likely be provided with a sizable transfer budget by new owner Todd Boehly, whose £4.25billion takeover has been approved by the UK government and the Premier League favorable.

The Blues could be set to make multiple additions to their squad, which could see Kante leave. The 31-year-old has just one year left on his contract, so the Blues could buy him this summer.

United are likely to buy the midfielder despite criticism from caretaker manager Ralf Rangnick over his decision to sign players entering the twilight of their careers.

Manchester United’s N’Golo Kante transfer could depend on Chelsea’s pursuit of Declan Rice

Despite Kante’s only one year remaining on his contract, Chelsea are unlikely to sell the midfielder unless they sign a worthy replacement this summer.

West Ham United star Declan Rice has emerged as a Chelsea and Manchester United target in recent times. The England international is unlikely to join United, as they will miss the UEFA Champions League next season and face an uncertain future under Ten Hag.

Rice recently turned down (according to Sky Sports) an eight-year contract offer from West Ham, which includes a £200,000-a-week salary package. He wants to join a club that will give him the chance to play in the Champions League and win a silver trophy. So Rice might want to join Thomas Tuchel’s team.

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Manchester United’s chances of signing Kante this summer could improve if Chelsea buy Rice.