Barcelona pushing to sign Chelsea midfield star

Barcelona are pushing to finalise a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante next month.

The Frenchman has been a mainstay for the Blues over the past six years but the Blues could release him next summer.

Kante has been struggling with numerous injuries and he is currently in the treatment room after a hamstring surgery.

The World Cup winner won't return to action until March at least, but this has not deterred Barcelona in their pursuit.

Kante is free to speak with foreign clubs from January 1 and Barcelona are ready to finalise a long-term contract.

Despite the midfielder's injury concerns, the Blaugrana are prepared to back him with a lucrative deal for four seasons.

This is something which the Blues have refused to do. They are reluctant to offer more than two years on a new deal.

Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping tabs on Kante at the moment, but Barcelona seem in pole position to land him.