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

West Ham have reportedly had a 'verbal offer' of approximately £15 million ($19m) for N'Golo Kante rejected by Al-Ittihad.

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• Kante impresses for France at Euros
• West Ham eye move for Frenchman
• Al-Ittihad reject Hammers' first bid

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  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 Hammers' verbal offer in the region of £15m was turned down by the Saudi Pro League team.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  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.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  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.

• Al Ittihad Twitter
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  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.