Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has expressed his opinion that N'Golo Kante "is one of the best midfield players in the world" amid speculation linking the Frenchman with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have already been heavily active in the transfer market and will welcome Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner to Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Recent reports had suggested that Chelsea were open to selling Kante as a means of raising funds for future transfers, but Lampard is keen for the midfielder to stay on at Stamford Bridge.

"I have seen some talks and reports about him and his future at the club. I have said it a lot of times about N'Golo, he is one of the best midfield players in the world and I would have loved to have played with him, the type of player he is, he has everything," Lampard said in quotes attributed to the Evening Standard.

"Coming back to Chelsea and getting the opportunity to manage this club and having N'Golo here is something I want to work with and appreciate. This season, unfortunately because of injuries, it has been tough for him. It is nice to see him fresh.

"One of the silver linings of this has been we have been able to get a few players fitter and fresher. N'Golo is so important to us as a team going forward that we need him regularly, and hopefully we will have that now."

Kante, whose current deal with the Blues is set to expire in 2023, has turned out 22 times for Lampard's side during an injury-hit season.

Chelsea will resume their Premier League campaign with a trip to Aston Villa on Sunday.