Newcastle United target makes transfer U-turn by ‘agreeing’ bumper contract - but there's a twist
Newcastle United and Everton were two Premier League clubs expressing interest in Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi
Wilfred Ndidi is set to snub transfer interest and commit his future to Leicester City, according to reports.
Newcastle United were one club rumoured to be interested in the 27-year-old. Once valued at £50million, Ndidi’s contract expired on June 30 and, with FFP/PSR restrictions continuing to rear their head, several Premier League sides are monitoring the situation.
An effective ball-winner who breaks up play, Newcastle lack a player of Ndidi’s profile in their ranks. Eddie Howe has deployed Bruno Guimaraes in the deep-lying role for most of his time on Tyneside.
No transfer fee would have also been a boost to the coffers as the balance sheet remains tight. Toon chiefs scrambled over the FFP/PSR line before the July 1 cut-off, with Elliot Anderson, Yankuba Minteh and sporting director Dan Ashworth all leaving.
However, various sources now claim Ndidi will reject all approaches and pen a three-year extension at the King Power Stadium. That deal is understood to involve a release clause - keeping the door open for a move further down the line.
Everton were one club reportedly keen on challenging Newcastle for Ndidi’s signature. The Toffees are plotting a frugal summer rebuild after falling foul of financial restrictions - and receiving two points deductions - last season.
Speaking last month, the midfielder hinted at possibly seeking pastures new if the right offer came along. He said: “It is good to be back to the Premier League after being relegated, and struggling back to EPL is actually something we don’t want to go back to again.
“I think morale is high, expectation is high, we have to ensure we do not return to the Championship. It’s a tough place to play. If a good chance comes, I won’t mind trying my luck elsewhere but, for now, I remain a Leicester City player.”