By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

27th Feb, 2023 | 6:41am

Sources: Liverpool eye N'Golo Kante as talks reach advanced stage

Liverpool are closely monitoring N’Golo Kante’s Chelsea contract talks as they eye up a midfield overhaul, sources have told Football Insider.

The 31-year-old has been locked in negotiations with the Londoners for some time over an extension to his current deal, which expires this summer.

It is believed that Chelsea are in advanced talks with Kante over a new one-year deal with an option for a further 12 months.

Todd Boehly’s mega spenders were hesitant to offer a new deal to the injury-plagued two-times Premier League champion but eventually tabled an offer.

The new contract on the table is heavily incentivised with bonuses as per the club’s new wage structure since Boehly’s takeover at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea consider Kante talks a top priority after agreeing terms with Thiago Silva and stalling in negotiations with Mason Mount.

Liverpool have shortlisted Mount as a summer target and they are also keeping an eye on Kante’s negotiations in case they collapse.

It is understood that long-term admirers Paris Saint-Germain also have an interest in the France World Cup winner.

He has only made two appearances for Chelsea this season, both of which came in the opening two Premier League matches of the campaign – a win over Everton and a thrilling draw against Tottenham.

The midfielder has subsequently been sidelined with a hamstring injury and his influence has been sorely missed by Graham Potter’s struggling side.

The latest bulletin from Chelsea is that Kante is on the comeback trail, taking part in light training and should be in contention for a first-team return at the start of next month.

In other news, Kieran Maguire: FSG offer Liverpool investors ‘bargain’ amid ‘£100m per match’ fan reveal