Boost for Chelsea boss Potter with star close to agreeing new deal

Chelsea make the short trip across London to face rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, with pressure mounting on manager Graham Potter. 

The ex-Brighton and Hove Albion boss has failed to impress since taking charge at Stamford Bridge in September last year, with The Blues currently sitting in tenth place in the Premier League table having won just two of their last 14 league matches.

Chelsea will have to beat Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League last 16 second leg tie next week to retain any chance of winning a trophy this season, with the German side having ran out 1-0 winners in the first leg last Wednesday.

Despite his side’s situation, it appears that Potter has been handed a boost with one of his most important players set to sign a new deal.

As per The Telegraph’s Matt Law, midfielder N’Golo Kante is close to agreeing an extension to his current deal, which is due to expire at the end of the current campaign.

The France international was also pictured in full training with his teammates on Tuesday, which will come as a boost to Potter ahead of a potentially pivotal trip to north London on Sunday.

Kante has only featured twice for Chelsea this season

Kante, 31, joined Chelsea back in 2016 having played a crucial role in Leicester City’s famous Premier League title win during the 2015/16 campaign.

He was key for The Blues as they lifted the title the following season, and has established himself as one of the best midfielders in world football during his time in west London.

Kante has suffered with injuries over the past couple of seasons and has already missed more than 30 matches so far this term after suffering a hamstring injury which also ruled him out of the World Cup in Qatar.

The Frenchman’s return will be welcomed by Potter and the club’s supporters, and he looks likely to partner record signing Enzo Fernandez once he is available for selection.

In total, Kante has made more than 260 appearances for Chelsea, winning six trophies including the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

The midfielder is yet to play under Potter, with his last appearance coming against Tottenham back in August.