Chelsea star N’Golo Kante ‘wants to sign pre-contract with Barcelona in January as he targets free transfer exit’

N'GOLO KANTE wants a pre-contract deal with Barcelona in January as he eyes a summer free transfer, reports in Spain say.

But Barca are also considering his Chelsea team-mate Jorginho, Leicester's Youri Tielemans and Real Sociedad star Martín Zubimendi.

The Spanish giants have held talks with Kante's representatives.

And the Frenchman, 31 is hoping Nou Camp chiefs make a quick decision.

That's because he has other options as he nears the end of his contract.

Juventus and Inter Milan have also been linked with the ex-Leicester hero.

But Kante's fitness record this season could count against him.

He missed the World Cup with a hamstring injury suffered against Tottenham back in August.

say Barca rate him as a proven, like-for-like replacement should legend Sergio Busquets depart in the summer.

But Zubimendi reportedly tops the wishlist of Nou Camp boss Xavi.

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Manchester United were also mentioned in connection with the 23-year-old last month amid claims they are prepared to activate his £52million release clause at Sociedad.

And new Aston Villa chief Unai Emery also hopes to tempt Zubimendi, whose contract runs until 2027.

It's also believed Barca have monitored Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan and Wolves' main man Ruben Neves.