Chelsea named as rival to Real Madrid raid for €40m Leicester star

Chelsea are showing an interest in Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, but face competition from Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain.

Ndidi has largely impressed for Leicester since joining them from Genk in January 2017, helping to replace N’Golo Kante after the Frenchman left for Chelsea.

And according to Mundo Deportivo, Ndidi could now follow Kante to Stamford Bridge, as he has emerged as a target for the Blues.

Chelsea could need a new defensive midfielder if they lose Jorginho to Juventus, where former boss Maurizio Sarri would like to be reunited – although Frank Lampard insists that the Italy international is not on the market.

Another side in need of a defensive midfielder, though, is Real Madrid, as Casemiro is approaching the later years of his career at 28 years old.

Madrid have been looking at Rennes starlet Eduardo Camavinga – also linked with a Premier League move – but it is claimed by Todofichajes that Ndidi would be a cheaper alternative.

The Leicester man is said to be valued at no more than €40m, and the Foxes would apparently be willing to make some money on the 23-year-old – who would be unlikely to turn down a move to Madrid. However, those claims mark a contrast to previous reports, which indicated that Ndidi would not be allowed to leave the King Power Stadium.

Chelsea remains an alternative destination, though, with PSG also mentioned as potential suitors – while Ndidi has also been suggested as a target for Manchester United in the past.

The Nigeria international is under contract with Leicester until 2024, and he has previously confessed he is happy at the King Power Stadium.