France hijack Mali target N’Golo Kanté

France coach Didier Deschamps will hand a maiden international call-up to Leicester City midfielder N’Golo Kanté, L’Equipe unveiled this Wednesday.

Highly rated in the English Premier League since joining the Foxes on a four-year contract from SM Caen last summer, Kanté has been instrumental in Leicester’s meteoric rise this season with his tireless work rate.

And his consistent performances for his club did not go unnoticed by the former France international, who will unveil his squad on Thursday as they are preparing for their UEFA EURO 2016 with friendlies against Netherlands and Russia.

The move is a major blow to Kanté’s country of origin Mali, who were desperate to land the 24-year-old in the Eagles’ nest.