West Ham appear to have ramped up their efforts to sign Caen midfielder N’golo Kante by agreeing a deal in principle with the player’s representatives, according to Get French Football.

The defensive midfielder, once labelled ‘the new Makelele,’ had initially looked set for a move to Marseille this summer, but a deal eventually broke down.

It is believed Slaven Bilic has turned his attention to Kante after a potential deal for Barcelona’s Alex Song hit complications, with the player reportedly unhappy with the length of the one year deal the Hammers have offered him.

Kante, 24, is thought to be available for around €10m (£5m), and the club have supposedly agreed a deal in principle with the player’s representatives ahead of making an offer to Caen.

London 24 claim Leicester, Southampton, Arsenal and Newcastle have all registered their interest in the player this summer, but West Ham appear to be the first to make a solid move.

Kante score two and provided five assists in 36 starts in Ligue last season.

What do you think? Would Kante be a good alternative if we don’t sign Alex Song? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below…

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