West Ham United are exploring a deal to bring France midfielder N’Golo Kante back to the Premier League from Saudi Arabia.

Kante, a title winner with both Leicester City and Chelsea, joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad one year ago and made 46 appearances in all competitions last season.

Telegraph Sport understands that West Ham’s interest is at an early stage and it remains to be seen what kind of fee would be required to sign the 33-year-old, if indeed Al-Ittihad are willing to let him leave. Kante’s current contract runs until 2026.

Kante endured an injury-hit final campaign at Chelsea in 2022/23, making only seven Premier League appearances, but has since rediscovered his form and was part of France’s squad at Euro 2024.

He started all eight of his country’s international matches this summer, including friendlies, and played all but 57 minutes of their games at the European Championship.

West Ham are targeting four or five new signings this summer as they look to provide head coach Julen Lopetegui with a strong squad for his first campaign in charge. As reported by Telegraph Sport earlier this week, they have interest in Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, while they are also pushing to sign Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.

The London club have already invested around £60 million this summer, having completed deals for Wolves defender Max Kilman and teenage Brazilian forward Luis Guilherme.

They have generated significant funds through sales already, most notably through the departures of winger Said Benrahma to Lyon (£12 million) and midfielder Flynn Downes to Southampton (£18 million).

Their desire to strengthen in midfield comes after Kalvin Phillips endured a difficult loan spell at the club in the second half of last season, with no expectation that West Ham will pursue a permanent move for the Manchester City midfielder.