N’Golo Kante rejected Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante has revealed he held talks with Jose Mourinho over a move to Manchester United this summer.

The Frenchman was one of Leicester City’s standout performers as the Foxes defied the odds to win the Premier League last term.

The 25-year-old had a £30million release clause in his contract at Leicester and completed a quick-fire move to Stamford Bridge in July.

However, the former Caen ace has confirmed that he rejected the Red Devils for the Blues after speaking with Mourinho.


Mourinho spoke with Kante (Picture: Getty)

‘It was amazing to have Mourinho call me, even though I’d been warned before how he would appeal to me,’ said Kante.



‘I listened to his arguments about why I should move to United.

‘But at that time I was hesitant between staying at Leicester or leaving for Chelsea.

‘My discussions with them were already well underway. But when I spoke, I had a good feeling with Conte.’

Kante was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award last season (Picture: Getty)

Kante was Antonio Conte’s second signing of the summer and the Italian went on to bring the likes of Marcos Alonso and David Luiz to Stamford Bridge.

While Kante remains one of Chelsea’s most important players, he says joining a club with such a deep squad has helped take the attention away from him.

‘At Chelsea I’m in a star-studded dressing room,’ said Kante.

‘Being the star of the game doesn’t interest me. That’s the highest level, unless you have exceptional qualities.

‘Yes, I feel I’m a pretty complete player, but I’m not an outstanding player.

‘Someone like Riyad Mahrez, yes, he has a real technical talent.’

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