Leicester City may “have to sell” Wilfried Ndidi this summer amid reported transfer interest from Aston Villa, according to Alan Hutton.
Reports have emerged suggesting that Unai Emery’s side alongside Newcastle United, Tottenham, Brighton and Wolves are keeping tabs on the Nigerian international ahead of the summer transfer window [HITC, 8 April].
The Foxes currently sit top of the Championship table and could be set to make an immediate return to the Premier League, where they could be met with a point deduction having been charged with a breach of PSR rules [The Guardian, 21 March].
While nothing is set in stone, Hutton admits Leicester’s financial situation could play into Emery’s hands, suggesting Ndidi could become an excellent rotation option in holding midfield for Villa next season.
“When we talk about Leicester and what they’re going through at this moment in time, maybe they will have to sell,” Hutton told Villa News.
“We will have to wait and see what happens, of course, we never really know. They’re looking to get back into the Premier League and whether that will allow them to hold onto their stars, we’ll have to wait and see.
“I think he’s a great player. Does he come in and make the squad better? Yeah, I think he does. You think if the likes of John McGinn or Douglas Luiz don’t play and the way that he rotates, could he come in and fill that void? Absolutely.
“But do you want to sell one of your top stars? It is really going to come down to where Leicester are financially and whether it is viable to keep him or not.”
Ndidi may not have set the Championship alight this season, but he has been a consistent performer for a number of years in the Premier League and would offer an excellent rotation option in a similar style to Youri Tielemans.
Whether Villa will pursue this deal any further than their initial interest remains to be seen, but it is clear that the Foxes’ financial problems off of the pitch could open the door for Emery and his recruitment team to get their man.
In other Aston Villa news, Hutton has made a new prediction about Ollie Watkins’ future after the striker’s latest comments
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