Liverpool monitoring two-time Premier League winner as 'advanced contract talks' held

Liverpool are monitoring Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante's contract situation, according to a fresh report.

The Reds appear to already have one eye on the summer, having endured a dismal campaign so far.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are seventh in the Premier League, some nine points adrift of a top-four spot, while their chances of progressing any further in the Champions League are slim, having last week lost the first leg of their heavyweight last-16 against Real Madrid 5-2.

In turn, the Merseyside club have been tipped to undergo a massive rejuvenation of the squad next summer, with the midfield, in particular, needing recruits.

Liverpool’s number-one transfer target is thought to be England and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham, while the Premier League giants have also been linked with the likes of Mason Mount in recent weeks.

However, a fresh report has claimed Klopp’s side are also exploring the possibility of signing Mount's Chelsea team-mate Kante.

Are Liverpool looking to sign Kante?

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are closely monitoring Kante’s contract talks with Chelsea.

The 31-year-old has been in negotiations with the Blues over the prospect of extending his current deal, which expires in the summer, but so far an agreement has not materialised.

Chelsea are thought to be in “advanced talks” with the Frenchman over a fresh one-year deal, with an option of a further 12-months.

Indeed, the club allegedly want to address Kante’s contract situation as a “top priority”, having agreed new terms with centre-back Thiago Silva and seen talks stall with Mount.

The new contract proposal is thought to be heavily incentivised with bonuses as per the club’s new wage structure under Todd Boehly.

Should a deal collapse, Liverpool would allegedly be keen to swoop in for the two-time Premier League winner, while Paris Saint-Germain are also thought to be long-term admirers of the midfielder.

Kante has been restricted to just two appearances for the Blues this term due to injury, both of which came in the Premier League against Everton and Tottenham.