Middlesbrough’s Abdoulaye Kanté has emerged as a new target for AS Saint-Étienne late in the winter market. Kanté is moving to France, after a transfer for QPR’s Jonathan Varane didn’t get off the ground.
That’s according to journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter and Peuple-Vert, a website focusing its coverage on Saint-Étienne.
Toubache-Ter took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share a short but major update on the Middlesbrough player.
He stated a player from the Championship is ‘on the verge’ of arriving at the Ligue 2 side. In another post on X, the journalist revealed the unnamed player is Kanté.
Peuple-Vert also report Saint-Étienne are edging closer to securing the 20-year-old’s services.
Recent claims have stated the French club made an offer to sign Queens Park Rangers midfielder Jonathan Varane.
On January 14th, Peuple-Vert denied interest in the QPR player. The same source then indicated Saint-Étienne are still looking for a midfielder in this window.
That will now be Kanté, and not QPR’s Varane. claims Saint-Étienne are ‘very close’ to sealing the transfer.
He has the experience of playing in France from his time at ES Troyes AC. Saint-Étienne tried to sign him before the Ivorian left them for Middlesbrough last summer.
Kanté made one start in the Championship and played 144 minutes from five matches. His situation didn’t improve at all after Kim Hellberg arrived at the Riverside Stadium in November.
From Middlesbrough to Saint-Étienne in January
The player hasn’t made an appearance for Boro since the end of September and a move to Saint-Étienne would allow him to get regular minutes.
Peuple-Vert updated their report with additional information. According to their sources, the Middlesbrough man was spotted at L’Étrat training centre on Wednesday.This would be a clear indication his move to Saint-Étienne is at an advanced stage.
Toubache-Ter and Peuple-Ver have made no mention whether it’ll be a loan move or a permanent transfer.
