Liverpool weigh up dramatic bid for relegated star also wanted by Bayern Munich, Nott’m Forest

Liverpool are considering a shock swoop for Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi before the transfer window closes, according to reports.

Ndidi was part of the Leicester squad that suffered relegation from the Premier League last season, but has remained a regular starter for them in their first few matches of the new Championship campaign. Nevertheless, he could be lifted back up to a top flight in the final few days of the transfer window.

According to the Independent, Ndidi ‘may be considered’ by Liverpool as a fourth midfield signing of the summer. After all, they have learned that Leicester are ‘willing’ to cash in on the Nigeria international.

The new information follows a report from Football Insider, which did not mention Liverpool, but named Bayern Munich and Nottingham Forest as suitors for Ndidi.

It was claimed that Ndidi ‘wants to leave’ Leicester after entering the final year of his contract there. While his value has not been revealed, he is judged as a cheaper alternative to some of the other midfielders that clubs might be targeting.

In Liverpool’s case, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo have arrived at Anfield as new signings this summer. Endo is the only natural defensive-minded option, but is still getting up to speed with how Jurgen Klopp wants him to play.

There is a feeling that Liverpool might need a more established replacement for Fabinho, but it has been hard for them to find the right option. A recent report said they would no longer be looking to sign an out-and-out holding midfielder, but could still try to get a versatile option who could cover in the role.

Logic behind Liverpool links with Ndidi

With that in mind, Ndidi – who can play in midfield or at centre-back, which is another area under a bit of scrutiny for Liverpool – might be a sensible target to pursue.

Still only 26 years old, he has been with Leicester since 2017. He earned almost 200 Premier League appearances before their relegation at the end of last season.

Leicester have signed Harry Winks from Tottenham and brought in Cesare Casadei on loan from Chelsea to strengthen their midfield this summer. They have, though, lost Youri Tielemans to Aston Villa, James Maddison to Tottenham and Nampalys Mendy as a free agent.

They could now allow Ndidi to depart as well, although only time will tell which clubs make concrete bids for him.

There is a sense that he would not be the first-choice target of any of his suitors. Per Football Insider, Bayern are looking at Fulham’s Joao Palhinha and Forest are chasing PSV’s Ibrahim Sangare.

Meanwhile, the Independent has acknowledged Liverpool’s interest in Cheick Doucoure from Crystal Palace.

However, all of those players could cost more than Ndidi. At this stage of the transfer window, the former Genk man might be more simple to sign.

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