West Ham's opening £15m bid for N'Golo Kante 'is rejected by Al-Ittihad, with Saudi Pro League side holding out for £25m to even consider a deal for the ex-Chelsea star'

West Ham's opening £15m bid for N'Golo Kante has been rejected by Al-Ittihad, according to reports.

The Hammers launched a shock bid to sign the former Chelsea star this week but their first offer has been rebuffed.

Kante, 33, is thought to be happy in Saudi Arabia but could be tempted by a move back to the Premier League.

The Athletic report that West Ham verbally offered £15m for the French star but Al-Ittihad have no intention of selling the midfielder.

Any bid would have to be in the region of £25m for the Saudi side to consider a deal, according to The Athletic.

West Ham's new manager, Julen Lopetegui, is said to be a long-term admirer of Kante's and could push a deal through. 

It is believed Lopetegui wanted to sign the midfielder during his spell at Real Madrid but a deal never came to fruition.

A potential move to West Ham would end Kante's stay in Saudi Arabia having joined Al-Ittihad on a two-year-deal worth £172m after leaving Chelsea upon the expiry of his contract in the summer of 2023.

Kante won the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup during his time at Chelsea.

He joined Chelsea in 2016 after playing a pivotal role in Leicester City's improbable title triumph the previous season. 

Kante has made 44 appearances for Al-Ittihad, scoring four goals and registering six assists. The club finished fifth in the 2023-24 Saudi Pro League season.

The midfielder recently featured for France at Euro 2024, where they reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual winners Spain.