European champions Real Madrid have identified Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante as the man to kickstart their season, according to a report.

Los Blancos are expected to splash the cash in January to bolster their squad following a dreadful run that has seen them go five matches without a win, losing four of those.

The Sun reports that Kante is one of the players Real want to recruit, and they are willing to table an £80m offer to test Chelsea's resolve.

Kante, who has three years left to run on his existing £150,000-a-week contract in West London, is understood to have already knocked back interest from Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite declaring himself happy at Stamford Bridge, though, the same report indicates that the French World Cup winner would consider an offer from Champions League holders Madrid.