Chelsea have formalised their interest in N'Golo Kante in a bid to swiftly secure the midfielder.

According to The Telegraph, the Blues are eager to open talks with the Leicester City star as news of interest from Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG emerges.

It is believed that Sven-Goran Eriksson's side have offered £35million for the Frenchman who has only just completed his duties with the France national team at Euro2016.

With that being the case, Antonio Conte's Chelsea are wanting to quickly strike up conversation with the Foxes as they prepare to activate his £20m release clause.

25-year-old Kante has already rejected a new deal from Premier League champions Leicester, believed to be worth £100,000 per week, and Chelsea are now very hopeful they can come to an agreement with the East Midlands outfit.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Juventus are also showing interest in the former Caen man but it appears as though Chelsea are the frontrunners.