Spanish giants Sevilla are the latest team to throw their hat into the ring in the chase for Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The 26-year-old was linked with a number of clubs during the summer transfer window following the Foxes relegation to the Championship, including the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Celtic. However, the Nigerian international remained at the King Power Stadium and has played a starring role in Enzo Maresca’s team that have stormed to the top of the league.
Rumours continue to circulate regarding his future, thanks in part to his ongoing contract scenario. His current deal is set to expire at the end of the season and there has been speculation that Premier League duo Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United could both launch bids in January.
The New Year represents Leicester’s final opportunity to negotiate a fee for the former Genk man, unless they can convince him to commit his future to the club. The decision could be taken out of their hands though, with overseas clubs allowed to make contact and offer a pre-contract deal.
Barcelona continue to be heavily linked, but it is now claimed that fellow La Liga outfit Sevilla are also keen on acquiring the services of the 2021 FA Cup winner.
It is believed that the serial Europa League champions have earmarked Ndidi as a priority signing next summer and talks have already taken place between the player’s representatives and Sevilla’s sporting director Victor Orta.
Ndidi has missed Leicester’s last four league fixtures with a muscle injury, whilst also sitting out of Nigeria’s recent World Cup qualifiers. He has since returned to first team training and could be in contention to return in their clash with Watford on Saturday, where the pacesetters will be hoping to return to winning ways after back-to-back defeats.
Writer’s View
It’s beginning to look increasingly likely that Ndidi will depart Leicester City next summer, if not in January. Maresca will be hoping that a swift return to the Premier League could convince him to extend his six year stay at the club, but it would be difficult to compete with teams that can offer regular European football.
In the meantime, the Foxes will be keen to get the most out of the midfielder and achieve their promotion aim. He has been a huge miss in the middle of the park since his injury and his return to fitness will be a welcome boost for the manager.
Head of Writing
