Manchester United and Everton are locked in a transfer race for Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, with the Nigeria international available for a cut-price £9.5m following the Foxes’ relegation to the Championship.
United are eyeing a potential deal for the 28-year-old defensive midfielder, who signed a new contract last year which included a clause that would allow him to leave for the bargain fee if Leicester were relegated, according to talkSPORT.
Leicester’s drop back down to the Championship has activated Ndidi’s release clause, and the Red Devils are weighing up whether to bring in the Nigeria international to provide extra depth to Ruben Amorim’s midfield options.
However, they are not alone in scouting Ndidi, with Premier League rivals Everton also considering a move of their own, alongside Crystal Palace and Fulham, who are all reportedly keen on securing the services of the defensive midfielder.
The former Genk man, once described as “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League” by former Leicester head coach Brendan Rodgers, has impressed in the East Midlands during his eight-year spell with the club.
Ndidi joined Leicester in January 2017 in a £17m deal from Belgian side Genk and has since made over 300 appearances for the East Midlands outfit, helping them win the FA Cup, and Community Shield and secure promotion from the Championship last season.
As well as interest from English clubs, there is reportedly attention from the Middle East, where Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli are planning improvements to their squad. However, it is understood that the Saudi club are in the early stages of a possible swoop for Ndidi, who is yet to open talks with the potential suitor.
Ndidi had previously attracted interest from clubs like Marseille and Everton whilst available on a free transfer last summer, but Leicester managed to secure him on a new three-year deal which runs until 2027. The pressure from interested parties then led to the inclusion of the £9m release clause in his contract.
Having already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves, United are hoping to wrap up a deal for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo after submitting a £60m bid, as they look to strengthen their squad under Amorim.
With only Jamie Vardy, Daniel Iversen and Danny Ward out of contract in the summer, Leicester have the opportunity to retain a good chunk of their squad for next term, although Ndidi’s departure now seems inevitable given the attractive release clause.
