Free transfer ‘worth more than £50m’ who can unlock Bruno Guimaraes potential at Newcastle United linked

Newcastle United are considering a move for Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi this summer, according to reports.

Nine goal contributions despite playing in defensive midfield has helped the Foxes launch a promotion campaign that could prove successful tonight. If Leeds United lose to Queens Park Rangers, Leicester will return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Earning promotion may tempt Ndidi to remain at the King Power Stadium beyond the current campaign. Signed in 2017, the Nigerian was part of the Leicester team regularly fighting for Europe.

He also played the entire game when the Foxes beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final three years ago. A fire sale took place at Leicester following last year’s relegation, with Newcastle poaching Harvey Barnes.

James Maddison left for Tottenham Hotspur but Ndidi, albeit reluctantly, stayed put. TDR Football now claim Newcastle have shortlisted the midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window.

Just two years ago, former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers valued Ndidi at £50million. He said: “He is worth much more than that," Rodgers said to the press when asked if it is nice to have a £50m-rated player in his squad. A player of that quality with that mentality, of course, you always want to keep. 

“But when you have that player he will always attract that interest. But he seems very settled here and I know he has moved into a new house over this last period and seems very, very happy. He is a pleasure to work with, a good guy and, hopefully, he can be around the club for many, many years. He has been a really, really important player in my time here for his role."

The Magpies now have a chance to sign Ndidi on a free transfer, with his contract expiring in June. They are understood to be facing competition from Champions League-chasing Aston Villa.

Signing Ndidi could trigger a tactical shift from Eddie Howe, who has played without a recognised enforcer in front of the back four. Bruno Guimaraes has played the deep-lying role but has impressed when given licence to get forward.