Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante reportedly has no intention of signing for Real Madrid during the summer transfer window.
The 31-year-old has enjoyed a legendary stint at Stamford Bridge, making a total of 262 appearances in all competitions and counting the Premier League and Champions League among his pieces of silverware.
However, the France international now has just over eight months remaining on his contract, and it has become increasingly unlikely that the Blues will offer the World Cup winner fresh terms.
Kante has not made an appearance for Chelsea since August 14 after sustaining what has proven to be a significant hamstring injury.
The Premier League giants announced on Tuesday evening that Kante had undergone surgery on the issue, subsequently ruling him out until at least February.
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If everything goes to plan, he will have three months to prove his fitness to the powers-that-be at Stamford Bridge if he wants to extend his stay at the club.
Should an offer not materialise, Kante will still have his pick of top European clubs, but it appears that arguably the biggest team of all is not on his shortlist of potential destinations.
According to El Nacional, Kante has little interest in moving to 2022 Champions League winners Real Madrid on a free transfer.
The report suggests that Los Blancos are actively monitoring the situation and would be open to signing the player ahead of 2023-24.
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Nevertheless, it is claimed that Kante would prefer to move to a club where he will be regarded as a guaranteed starter, something which may not be possible at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Aurelien Tchouameni was signed from Monaco earlier this year, while Eduardo Camavinga is expected to become more of a regular in the first XI over the coming seasons.
Furthermore, the La Liga giants have been frequently linked with Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, a deal which may take priority over signing Kante when he would have turned 32 years of age in March.
The report says that there is currently no alternative frontrunner for Kante, a consequence of the uncertainty which has been brought about with regards to his fitness.
However, Kante will be able to hold discussions with foreign clubs as soon as January with a pre-contract agreement a possibility.
