Mon 8 Apr 2024, 11:59 · Ash Harrison

Report: Newcastle have eyes on a potential free agent with Premier League experience to fill the defensive midfield void

Report: Newcastle have eyes on a potential free agent with Premier League experience to fill the defensive midfield void
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A lot of Newcastle United fans have been screaming for the club to buy a defensive midfielder since before the season even got underway.

Unfortunately, thanks to the Financial Fair Play stranglehold, Eddie Howe has been unable to bring anyone in the play that role, instead relying on his midfield trio to all track back when needed, something that has caused huge gaps in the middle of the park this season.

It now seems as though Newcastle may have found the answer to all their woes in one neat little package in the form of Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, according to HITC.

The Nigerian midfielder has been at Leicester since 2017 and is due to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.

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Competition for Ndidi's signature will be fierce

Naturally, being a potential free transfer, many other clubs are monitoring Ndidi's situation and the 27-year-old is likely to have plenty of offers in the summer.

Tottenham, Aston Villa, Wolves and Brighton are all keen on Ndidi and there's also been interest from the Saudi Pro League and Turkey.

With Leicester also closing in on promotion back to the Premier League, they could maybe try and tempt Ndidi into staying.

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Ndidi can play several different positions

Ndidi's versatility could be massive for Newcastle given that he can play defensive midfield as well as centre-mid and centre-back. Given Newcastle's injury woes this season, bringing in someone who can cover several positions is definitely a smart move.

There's going to be quite a battle for Ndidi's signature this summer but Newcastle should definitely fancy themselves as frontrunners for his signature, alongside Tottenham.

With Spurs likely to qualify for the Champions League, they could maybe have the edge over Newcastle, but we'll just have to see what happens.