Kante keeping his options open

Cape Town - Leicester star N'Golo Kante says he is totally committed to his team's title challenge, but he doesn't mind being linked to other clubs.

A reported £20m buy-out clause in midfielder's contract makes him an obvious target for some of Europe's biggest clubs. While Leicester would be desperate to hold onto one of their remarkable season's best players, boss Claudio Ranieri acknowledges that they would consider a substantial offer.

"I think he should rest here, he’s working very well," Ranieri told the Daily Mail.

"But if big teams arrive that will give us a lot of money, maybe we can think about it, if he’s not happy here and wants to go. I don’t want sad people here – I want my players to be happy."

Kante's response to the reports has been relatively tactful, neither playing down the rumours, nor expressing obvious clear interest in a move away.

"I will fight for Leicester this season and next season we never know and we will see," he said.

"At this moment I am focused on Leicester. We have to finish well this season but I don’t mind about the other clubs."

The outcome of this matter will go a long way towards addressing speculation about Leicester City's approach to next season.

It remains to be seen whether the club will be using prize money and their Champion's League qualification to keep hold of their star players and strengthen their squad for another title challenge or whether they will take the "selling" route to please shareholders.