Real Madrid Kante on the top of Frenchman's wishlist

With a Champions League medal already in the backpocket within his first six months of senior management, Zinedine Zidane is not resting on his laurels as he seeks to add bite to his Real Madrid squad.

N'Golo Kante won the Premier League title with the East Midlands club last season, contributing some stellar performances in the heart of midfield with his work-rate, tackling and steely determination.

Zidane has previously noted that the BBC of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo is integral to the starting line-up, which is why the team needs balance in the middle of the pitch.

That front-line has plenty of physicality, but the likes of James Rodriguez and Isco have been labelled as lightweight in a midfield usually consisting of fellow playmakers Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

Casemiro offered that balance for Zidane's side, with his performance in the Champions League final matching the physical and tactical level of Atletico Madrid.

The Frenchman would like Kante to challenge Casemiro for a starting place in the squad, adding depth to a position that is so often neglected at Real Madrid.

Furthermore, Kante's signing can fit alongside that of Paul Pogba, who remains the priority option for Los Blancos.

Kante and Pogba are currently playing at the European Championship with France, who face Iceland on Sunday.