Leicester City: Arsenal and Tottenham midfielder target N'Golo Kante is Premier League's MVP says Shinji Okazaki

Leicester City star N'Golo Kante is the Premier League's most valuable player (MVP), according to his teammate Shinji Okazaki. The Frenchman moved to the King Power Stadium from Ligue 1 side Caen last summer and in his debut season, he has been the key player in the Foxes' midfield.

Claudio Ranieri's side are leading the league table with 72 points after 33 matches and are seven points ahead of second place Tottenham Hotspur. With five games remaining in this season, they are the favourites to win the title this term.

Kante has been shortlisted for the PFA Player of the Year award after his impressive season for Leicester, which also saw him make his debut for France in March. Okazaki heaped praise on the midfielder and has backed the 25-year-old to continue his club form for his national side in the summer's European championship.

"He deserves to be called the most important player for Leicester City. He is a role model who shows character and strength fully every game and gets a good evaluation every time," Okazaki explained, as quoted by Sky Sports.

"Kante is in the MVP [most valuable player] class of the Premier League this season. No doubt, if he continues to do so, he can succeed for France, it is without question. If Kante plays for France same as for Leicester, I'm sure he can help France a lot."

According to the Daily Mail, both north London clubs, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the midfielder. Kante has a £20m ($28.4m) release clause and even Chelsea along with their league rivals are interested in his services.

Kante has raised few concerns over his long-term future at Leicester. The France international admitted that he was happy with the recent reports linking him with a move to top clubs from England and Europe.

"I will fight for Leicester this season and next season we never know and we will see. At this moment I am focused on Leicester. We have to finish well this season but I don't mind about [being linked with] the other clubs," Kante explained.