John Giles believes that Chelsea could be dark horses for the Premier League, but only if they keep midfielder N'Golo Kante.
Kante is being heavily linked with a move away from the Blues, with reports today suggesting they rejected a bid from Internazionale that included one of Marcelo Brozovic or Christian Eriksen.
N'Golo Kante
Chelsea's N'Golo Kante during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London."I would be amazed if they sold him," Giles said of the French midfielder.
"I would be absolutely amazed. He had a lot of injuries last year, but any game I saw him playing in last year, he was brilliant again.
"These guys don't come along every five minutes, someone that is going to give you everything in every game. Just for examples alone, in the club - no way.
"If I was selling anyone at Chelsea, he would be the last one to go - definitely. I can't see that at all.
"He had a lot of injuries, but I still that he is the most valuable player in the Premier League."
Chelsea 'dark horses'
File photo dated 24-02-2020 of Chelsea manager Frank Lampard.Giles, meanwhile, feels that Chelsea might be an outsider to topple Liverpool from their particular domestic perch.
"I think the dark horses this year could be Chelsea.
"I am not that familiar with the players they have signed, but they have spent a lot of money and you wouldn't imagine they would be buying duds for the amount of money that they are paying.
"They have a good base at Chelsea this year, [Frank Lampard] did a good job with them. If he has got the players that he wants, and I'm sure he has, they could be dark horses."
But it is not Chelsea that Giles is tipping to win the Premier League next year - that honour goes to the current champions.
Giles feels that the relative lack of signings does not mean that anyone should underestimate Liverpool when the Premier League kicks off.
"I think [their signings will be enough.] It depends on their attitude, but I would be amazed if it wasn't the same as it was last year.
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