West Ham dealt transfer blow as they face uphill battle to bring Chelsea & France legend N'Golo Kante back to the Premier League from Al-Ittihad

Earlier this week it emerged that West Ham were keen on bringing the midfielder back to the Premier League this summer. However, according to The Athletic, the Hammers' verbal offer in the region of £15m was turned down by the Saudi Pro League team.

The report adds it will take at least £25m ($32m) to even 'entertain the possibility' of selling the 33-year-old, with Al-Ittihad viewing the former Chelsea star as a key figure in their future and the player content in Saudi Arabia. West Ham still retain a strong interest in the ex-Leicester City man, though.

Kante signed for the Saudi outfit last summer following the expiration of his Chelsea contract. He penned a three-year deal and has since gone onto make 46 appearances in all competitions for them. The France international is a Premier League legend but the later stages of his career in England were somewhat hampered by injury.

Kante, whose contract at Ittihad runs until 2026, is currently enjoying his summer holidays after France's run to the semi-finals of Euro 2024. Whether West Ham return with an improved offer for the veteran remains to be seen.