Barcelona are close to agreeing a deal to sign Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante on a free transfer, according to Spanish media outlet Sport via Daily Mail.

The report adds that Kante’s agents have been in contact with chiefs at Barcelona and the basis for an agreement is practically in place.

Kante’s Chelsea contract expires at the end of the season and the World Cup winner is yet to reach an agreement with Chelsea over a new contract.

Negotiations between Kante and Barcelona have reportedly progressed well in recent weeks and the contract agreement could be finalised as soon as January.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has previously given an update on the future of Chelsea midfielder Kante.

“Where Kante could go, it’s still too early to say,” Romano told CaughtOffside. “He doesn’t seem likely to stay because there’s still no agreement.

“Kante loves Chelsea and he’d love to stay but the club is going in different direction with salaries/young players project. Chelsea are following many young and talented midfielders to be ready in 2023, January or summer.

“Only Graham Potter can change the situation.”