Manchester United have been offered Wilfred Ndidi this month, following reports that a January swoop for Ruben Neves is unlikely. Ndidi currently plays for Besiktas who he joined back in August. But despite being vice-captain of the Turkish Super Lig giants, the Nigeria international could leave Turkey after just six months.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Ndidi has been offered to United this month. The midfielder is said to be keen to return to the Premier League. Ndidi has a wealth of experience in England's top flight with 220 appearances, all for Leicester City, in which he scored seven goals and contributed 14 assists.
It is not yet clear what the structure of any deal would be, and whether United could even sign Ndidi on loan. But the Red Devils are aware of the player's desire to return to England. The Premier League heavyweights have not yet made a proposal to Besiktas.
Ndidi captained Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations as they finished third in the tournament. A hamstring strain ended the 29-year-old from Lagos' AFCON early, however. Besiktas confirmed that the Super Eagles skipper also suffered internal bleeding in his left thigh and that treatment has begun.
No return date has been mentioned and the severity of the issue will surely have a major impact on whether or not United move for Ndidi. The links come after a possible swoop for Al-Hilal's Neves was downplayed.
The Daily Mail say a move for Neves, or AC Milan's Ruben Loftus-Cheek, is unlikely. Neves has been heavily linked with United due to the former Wolves midfielder's captain expiring in Saudi Arabia this summer.
That has prompted suggestions the deep-lying Portuguese playmaker could be available at a cut price of less than £20million this month. But Al-Hilal are in talks to extend his £300,000-a-week contract by another two years.
United are exploring the January transfer window for any opportunities to strengthen caretaker head coach Michael Carrick's squad. The Englishman is looking to lead the club he played 464 times for as a player back into the Champions League.
Long term, the Red Devils have ambitions to upgrade their midfield. Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Brighton's Carlos Baleba are all high-profile targets for INEOS.
Carrick will also be eager to prove to Kobbie Mainoo that his long-term future remains in Manchester. Mainoo grew frustrated at his lack of minutes under Ruben Amorim and had been looking to leave in the summer, with Chelsea one of many clubs interested in the England international.