Real Madrid, Barcelona battle for Chelsea star Kante

Barcelona are reported to have stolen a march on Real Madrid in the race to sign Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante.

The France international had another impressive season with Chelsea, which has already led to reports that he could be on the move once the World Cup in Russia is over.

Paris Saint-Germain have already been heavily linked with a swoop but Barca and Real are also keen to try and lure him away from Stamford Bridge.

Barca appear to have made the move and used some cunning tactics to put them in the box seat.

The reports in the French press claim that Barca officials invited some of Kante’s family to a fixture towards the end of last season in an attempt to start the ball rolling.

Kante remains a Chelsea player and focused on the World Cup and recently dismissed all reports linking him with a move away.

‘I am not concerned with all that,’ he told reporters. ‘Today, I am at Chelsea, and today I am currently living and playing in the World Cup, that is what comes first. I am not paying attention to what is being said on the club side of things at the moment.’