Leicester City coach Claudio Ranieri says he would understand if N’Golo Kante were to quit the club.
Kante was superb for the Foxes last term as he helped guide the side to an unlikely maiden Premier League title, with Ranieri at the helm.
But upon the French star’s return from Euro 2016 the player has been linked with a move away from the club, with Chelsea the favourites to secure his services.
The Foxes have since offered the star a counter and should Kante accept, it would tie him to the club until 2019.
‘I know one thing, we have offered a new deal of a contract to him,’ Ranieri told the Leicester Mercury.
‘He wanted to wait because he wanted to finish Euro 2016. Now I hear there is so much speculation behind him.’
Ranieri admitted he would be reluctant to see the star go, but would understand his decision.
‘I don’t want to lose him. I don’t want to, but I could understand if he wants to go. At this point, I hope the team bring the maximum.
‘I don’t know about the money, I am not a manager, just a coach, so I don’t speak about money. I say what I feel, I want him here.’
‘I would like to understand if he would like to stay with me or no,’ he concluded.
Kante made 40 appearances for Leicester City last term.
