Swap deal could see Kante in Barcelona colours

• Spanish giants are looking for replacement of both Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic, who are set to be sold this summer.

Barcelona are reportedly hopping to sign N'Golo Kante from Chelsea in a swap deal involving Philippe Coutinho, who is wanted by the Blues.

The La Liga giants are keen to further strengthen their already powerful midfield with the addition of 2018 World Cup winner.

They are looking for replacement of both Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic, who are set to be sold this summer.

With defensive stalwart Sergio Busquets turning 32 soon, Barcelona chiefs keen to look the future, and they've targeted Kante, 29, to replace them, according to Mundo Deportivo.

At the moment Barcelona are looking to offload £145million flop Coutinho, 27, this summer, who joined the Catalan club in January 2018.

The Brazilian has spent the 2019-20 season on loan at Bayern Munich - but Chelsea had hoped to sign him last summer.

With number of Premier League clubs – Arsenal, Tottenham and Leicester – interested in signing former Liverpool star, Coutinho's agent are also keen on bringing him back to England.

But with Chelsea most-eager to sign the "Little Magician", Barcelona smell an opportunity according to Mundo Deportivo - and are willing to involve Coutinho in a player-plus-cash deal for Kante.

However, Barcelona face competition for the French terrier from old rivals Real Madrid.

Madrid’s Zinedine Zidane has targeted countryman Kante as he builds a new era at the Bernabeu.

Chelsea snapped up Kante after Leicester's stunning Premier League triumph in 2016. He also been hit by injuries this season, restricting him to 18 Premier League appearances.

And with Frank Lampard armed with the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, Mason Mount, Ross Barkley, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and new teenage sensation Billy Gilmour he has plenty of midfield options.