Man Utd set for transfer battle with Premier League rival for relegated star

Manchester United are eyeing a shock move for a player relegated from the Premier League. The Red Devils want to land Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

According to TalkSport, the Nigeria international is said to be available for a cut-price fee after failing to help the Foxes remain in the top-flight. Ndidi, 28, since 2017 when the Midlands club completed a £17million deal for his signature.

The Leicester star has a release clause in his contract after agreeing a new contract following the club's Championship win in 2024. It saw him commit to the club until 2027 but with the caveat he could depart for £9m should Leicester fail to cement their status as a Premier League club.

United may have competition for his signature with interest from Saudi Arabia and Everton in the 66-cap international. Ndidi has previously been linked with a move to Old Trafford albeit with when both clubs were situated in better positions in the league.

In 2022 Brendan Rodgers responded to claims the midfielder could cost as much as £50m. "He's worth much more than that," came the reply.

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Ndidi's modest current fee could see an affordable option as United look to strengthen Ruben Amorim's squad. After missing out on a estimated £100m cash injection by failing to qualify for the Champions League with Europa League success, the club saw no financial boost after finishing 15th.

Amorim's side appear to still be looking to spend ambitiously however after Matheus Cunha's £62.5m arrival. And United have launched a bid of more than £60m for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo.

A move for Ndidi would see a continued effort to bring Premier League experience into the squad. That comes after Amorim suggested the contrast in United's league and European form came from the different demands of the competition in terms of physicality.

Amorim suggested that is why Antony has found like difficult at United. "When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there," he said.

"If you don’t have physicality, you will struggle a lot. Antony is so much better now in Spain. There are many factors, but I guarantee you it’s physicality."

Ndidi may also offer some opportunity for United to act quickly, despite requiring to offload players. The club will hope to secure permanent exits for Antony, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho.

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