Chelsea could retain the services of midfielder N'Golo Kante beyond the summer transfer window, according to an update from journalist Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: Kante nearly out of contract

The Frenchman has been a wonderful servant for the Blues, making 262 appearances and helping them win the Premier League title back in 2016/17.

Kante is out of contract at the end of the season and various recent reports have suggested that he will move on once this season reaches in conclusion, with Barcelona seemingly the likely destination.

However, a fresh update now claims there could be a twist in the tale.

The Latest: New twist...

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Phillips says that Kante could actually end up signing an extension at Stamford Bridge to keep him at the club:

"But you can say Kante’s people have always had their desire to stay, it always has been. It has to be something that they're happy with, in a sense of the terms as well.

"There's a lot of optimism on that one. Everyone I've asked about that in the last few days, they think that he's going to sign."

The Verdict: Should he be moved on?

This is an interesting update regarding Kante's future and it is a difficult decision to make, in terms of whether or not it is worth retaining his services.

The midfielder is on a whopping £290,000 a week currently, and considering he turns 32 this summer and has become increasingly injury-prone, allowing him to leave could make more sense.

Getting Kante off Chelsea's wage bill would free up funds for new signings this summer and allow Graham Potter to continue his rebuild in the middle of the park.

There is no doubt that he has been a top-class player and extending his stay would be no disaster - Cesc Fabregas has called him 'world-class' - but letting him go still feels like the preferable decision.