Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on N'Golo Kante and Isco Rumours

Real Madrid have reportedly joined the race to sign Leicester City star N'Golo Kante as manager Zinedine Zidane seeks to strengthen his defensive-midfield options.

According to Marca's Jose Felix Diaz (adapted by Euan McTear), the former France international has been monitoring his compatriot since December and wants him to provide competition for Casemiro or be an alternative for him in case of injury or suspension, while Paris Saint-Germain are also interested.

Casemiro emerged as a highly useful player for Los Blancos last season and even kept the likes of James Rodriguez out of the starting lineup.

His presence in holding midfield brought balance to the team, shielding the back four and allowing Luka Modric and Toni Kroos licence to control the game and create chances.

The Brazilian is vital for Real not because he's particularly exceptional in his position, but because he's the only one who performs that role in the squad—and Kante does it even better.

Here is how his stats compare with Casemiro's per Squawka Football:

	Kante	Casemiro
Appearances	37	23
Tackles/game	3.38	2.48
Interceptions/game	4.22	1.96
Chances created/game	0.81	0.30
Pass completion	82%	87%

The 25-year-old was arguably the Premier League champions' biggest breakout star last season thanks to his peerless work rate and ball-winning skills.

Bleacher Report UK's Sam Tighe is one of his many admirers:

He has brought those qualities to the France side at UEFA Euro 2016, per Squawka Football:

Indeed, so quickly has he emerged as a key player for Les Bleus, Match of the Day host Gary Lineker believes he is already their most important performer:

With Kante's ability and endurance, there's little reason to think he couldn't thrive at the Santiago Bernabeu. He'd be a phenomenal signing.

Meanwhile, to the disappointment of Arsenal and Manchester City, Real have opted to keep Isco.

According to the Daily Star's Chris Hatherall, the teams are interested in the Spaniard, but Zidane has ruled out the possibility of him moving. "Isco will not be leaving Real Madrid," said the Frenchman.

OLIVIER MORIN/Getty Images

The campaign wasn't the 24-year-old's best, but he still managed to accrue a healthy return of five goals and 12 assists in all competitions. The Spaniard was at his creative best in the UEFA Champions League, per WhoScored.com:

At his age, Isco should now be looking to kick on and establish himself as a real star on this team.

Even if he's unable to, he's still a useful squad player, and with Real set to be hit with a transfer ban in the near future, they'll be glad they kept him.