Newcastle United look set to miss out on their top January target Wilfred Ndidi, as Leicester City enter advanced talks with Genk over a £14million move.
Rafa Benitez is keen to add some extra steel to his midfield this January as Cheick Tiote looks certain to head through the exit door. Ndidi had emerged as the club’s top target after he impressed club scouts with his appearances in the Europa League this season.
However, Newcastle were not alone in their admiration of Ndidi it seems, as Claudio Ranieri looks set to seal the 19-year-old as his first piece of business of the January window. According to the Telegraph, the Foxes and Genk are currently locked in talks over a £14million – which could potentially rise to £16million with add ons.
It is thought Ndidi’s versatility – being able to play at both centre-half and defensive midfield – appealed to Ranieri.
Graham Carr will now be entrusted in identifying other potential midfield targets for Benitez ahead of the fast approaching winter transfer window. Attentions could now turn to either Ronaldo Vieira of Leeds or Will Hughes of Derby (two players of entirely different moulds to that of Ndidi), who are both reportedly on Newcastle’s radar.
