Chelsea urged to offload N’Golo Kante this summer ahead of planned mass clearout and PSG transfer interest

Chelsea have been told to part ways with N’Golo Kante this summer due to his availability issues across the season.

The France international is out of contract at the end of the season, but could agree a new deal with the Blues to keep him at the club.

talkSPORT host Ally McCoist believes it might be time for Chelsea to cut ties with the 2018 World Cup winner, who has alerted the attention of Paris Saint-Germain.

The Ligue 1 champions are long-term admirers of the midfielder and have made several attempts to prise him away from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are set to axe several players this summer after new owner Todd Boehly’s transfer splurges have left Graham Potter with a bloated squad.

Speaking on the Sports Breakfast show, McCoist was asked by fellow host Laura Woods: “Which Chelsea players would you get rid of in the summer?”

To which Rangers legend McCoist replied: “It is a tough question, I’ve looked at the squad. They have got 32 players, which is ridiculous so you could start anywhere.

“Cesar Azpilicueta, N’Golo Kante, which might surprise a few people. He’s 31, you need to look at his fitness.

“If he can’t maintain a full season, you need to get rid of him.

“Denis Zakaria [on loan from Juventus], I am not too sure about. Carney Chukwuemeka, another one I am not too sure about.

“Hakim Ziyech, will certainly go, how’s that for a start? That was just off the top of my head.”

Woods replied: “Kante is probably the biggest name there, for me.”

McCoist then stated: “I can’t believe I am saying it because I am arguably his biggest fan. But I am his biggest fan when he is on the pitch.

“I know he has been injured but you have got to turn up to work, you have got to play.

“I am just hoping he is not at that age now where he picks up a few injuries and you don’t see enough of him.”

Kante has had a nightmare campaign this year that has been plagued by injury issues.

The Frenchman has made just two Premier League appearances this season, the last coming in August in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham.

The ex-Leicester star is edging closer to a return to action, having took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Charlton last week.

Potter is still ready to give him plenty of time to get back to full fitness and not rush him back to risk another injury.

According to 90min, PSG are set to hold talks with Kante over signing on a pre-contract agreement.

However, there is a high chance that he pens a new deal with Chelsea instead – despite their huge squad.

A number of players have already been linked with exits including Mateo Kovacic, Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount with Manchester City interested in the former duo and Liverpool keen on the latter.

Boehly is set to bankroll yet another summer as well with Declan Rice, Christopher Nkunku and Josko Gvardiol all linked.