Leicester transfer news: Champions to splash out £15.5million on Genk teenager Wilfred Ndidi

CLAUDIO RANIERI has lodged a cash bid of a £15.5m for Genk’s teenage star Wilfred Ndidi, according to reports in Belgium.

The 19-year old Nigerian international was rumoured to be on Newcastle United‘s radar but it’s thought the player, who can fill a role in central midfield or defence, would prefer a switch to the Premier League.

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Wilfred Ndidi, 19, can play in central midfield or defence[/caption]

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Ndidi was rated as one of the best young players in the Belgian league in 2015/2016 season[/caption]

But the bid that Leicester have already placed still may not be enough to secure the starlet’s signature.

The club’s technical director Dimitri De Conde told Belgian newspaper HLN: “Ndidi and [team-mate Leon] Bailey  have indicated that they want to stay until the end of the season.

“But suppose there comes a megabid, it is very difficult to keep them here.”

It’s thought that it will cost the Foxes £21.5m to bring Ndidi, who has previously attracted interested from Manchester United and Spurs, to the King Power Stadium in January.

With Newcastle set to off load Ivorien Cheick Tiote, the Genk midfielder could be considered an ideal replacement for the North East outfit as Rafa Benitez looks to continue his quest for promotion back to the Premier League.