Kante nears Leixit, Nampalys Mendy on the way

Daniel Storey

Leicester have agreed a deal to sign Nampalys Mendy from Nice, according to L’Equipe.

The French newspaper reports that Mendy, who is a direct replacement for N’Golo Kante, will cost Leicester £13m.

Leicester’s interest in the central midfielder has hardly been a secret, as Claudio Ranieri aims to fill the large hole that Kante’s departure would leave.

Kante has been linked with Paris St Germain, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal, and has refused to commit his future to the champions.

L’Equipe report that Mendy, who played for Ranieri before at Monaco, has agreed a four-year contract and will have a medical in the next few days.