Crystal Palace, Fulham and Everton are reportedly interested in signing Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi this summer, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 28-year-old Nigeria international is expected to leave the King Power Stadium following the Foxes’ relegation to the Championship, with the player having a £9m release clause in his contract.
According to talkSPORT, the Premier League trio are all keen on securing the services of the defensive midfielder, who has been a regular under both Steve Cooper and Ruud van Nistelrooy this term, featuring in 25 top-flight matches.
Leicester’s immediate return to the second tier of English football was confirmed following a narrow 1-0 defeat to league winners Liverpool on April 20, activating Ndidi’s relegation release clause.
The former Genk man, once described as “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League” by former head coach Brendan Rodgers, has impressed in the East Midlands during his eight-year spell with the club.
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 while 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.
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.
The midfielder has been part of the furniture at Filbert Way for the majority of the last decade since joining in a £17m deal from Belgian side Genk in 2017. During his time with the Foxes, he has won the FA Cup, Community Shield and helped the club secure promotion from the Championship last season.
Should they manage to retain other key players, Leicester will be one of the favourites for automatic promotion next season, regardless of who occupies the managerial hot seat.
Ndidi has played 27 times in all competitions during this campaign and will likely be eager to continue his career at the highest level as he enters the latter stages of his playing days.
