Newcastle United and Aston Villa chase ‘world-class’ midfield powerhouse on free transfer

Newcastle United are plotting a summer swoop for Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, according to reports.

The Foxes are in dreamland after securing a Premier League return at the first time of asking. An instant promotion came despite being raided following relegation last season.

Newcastle poached Leicester for Harvey Barnes, with Tottenham Hotspur also signing James Maddison. Despite offloading star assets, the Foxes were charged with alleged FFP breaches last month and remain in financial uncertainty.

Ndidi reluctantly stayed put and was a key cog in their quest for promotion - with nine goal contributions despite his defensive midfield role. Reports now claim the 27-year-old is attracting interest from Newcastle and Aston Villa.

Midfield has provided a dilemma for Eddie Howe throughout the campaign given the crippling injury crisis. Joelinton, Joe Willock and Sandro Tonali (suspended) have barely featured, with Elliot Anderson also missing large chunks of the season.

Bruno Guimaraes has been tasked with the deep-lying midfield role - limiting his input going forward. Signing Ndidi would give Howe the option to pick an enforcer-type in front of the back four, a profile his squad currently lacks.

Villa are fighting for Champions League football and their position may influence Ndidi’s decision. The midfielder - called “world class” by former manager Brendan Rodgers just two years ago - is out of contract in June and gives both clubs headroom for other additions in an FFP/PSR-dominated market.

As for outgoings, Sean Longstaff's future remains in doubt with just one year on his deal to run. Ndidi, while not a like-for-like replacement, being a free transfer would be a shrewd arrival to improve the squad should the North Shields native move on