N’Golo Kante is keen to return to London but West Ham will have to increase their opening bid of £20million to land the world champions.

Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad have rejected an initial bid for the former Chelsea star, but the Hammers, whose transfer plans are being overseen by Tim Steidten, could return with an improved offer. And Kante, who was recalled to the France squad for the recent European Championship and played in all six of their games, has enjoyed life in London so much that he could be considered for a return.

But he is equally happy at Al Ittihad and the Hammers may have to increase their offer by £10m before the Saudi club considers a split.

Kante’s salary could also be an issue and a similar deal to the current one would instantly make him West Ham’s highest-paid player as new head coach Julen Lopetegui and Steidten look to strengthen their squad for a fresh assault on European competition.

West Ham are in need of reinforcements in midfield, having struggled there last season. They brought in Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City, but that move had terrible consequences for both the club and the player, as he missed out on England’s squad for the European Championship.

Meanwhile, Edson Alvarez has been injured while on duty with Mexico and Flynn Downes has made his loan to Southampton permanent. The Hammers have signed teenage Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme and centre-back Max Kilman, who worked under new head coach Julen Lopetegui at Wolves.

West Ham also plan to keep Lucas Paqueta available while the FA continues to investigate his spot-fixing allegations. If found guilty, the Brazilian midfielder could face a career-ending ban, but it is expected to take several months for the case to be concluded.

And the Hammers are among the few top clubs with some money to spend on the new season.

Earlier this month, Steidten said: “I can’t give you a number (of signings), but we know what positions we’re looking for.”

But West Ham are in a comfortable position in terms of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations, helped by the sale of Declan Rice for £100m last summer, and Steidten added: “That’s why I’m so pleased with the work the club has done previously, the board and the owners.

“They were able to give us a situation like this. I know it’s really unique in this day and age that we’re pretty relaxed financially.”

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