Manchester United want to sign defensive midfielder for £5m

Everton are also tracking him, but United could have the edge if they make a decisive move. Amorim wants more solidity in the defensive midfield position, a key factor in sustaining his 3-4-2-1 formation. Ndidi, by profile, would fit well as one of the two midfielders, offering balance, recoveries and quick transitions. There is talk of key weeks. If United act quickly, they could leapfrog other suitors and close a deal that looks affordable.

Opinion:

Signing Ndidi for £9m would be a bargain for any club with aspirations. For Manchester United, who have suffered so much from a lack of consistency in the middle, it represents an opportunity that would be hard to ignore. The Nigerian, despite a couple of somewhat grey years, retains qualities that few others have. He knows how to dictate tempo, cover passing lanes and protect the defence. That is gold in Ruben Amorim’s scheme. His 3-4-2-1 requires two midfielders capable of covering area and doing the dirty work.

The 28-year-old doesn’t need to shine on the ball; his virtue is to provide balance. While there are other priorities – perhaps a more solid centre-back or a striker guaranteed to score 20 goals – the foundation of any team is built from the middle. If the club pass up the chance to sign him, they risk seeing him strengthen a direct rival like Everton.

Moreover, with two years left on his contract, Leicester have no bargaining power. Ndidi is looking to leave, and the time is now. If United want to get back to fighting at the top of the table, they can’t ignore proven, cheap reinforcements. Sometimes it is the most discreet signings that make the difference.

Imagine a Ugarte-Ndidi pairing behind Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha, with Bryan Mbeumo as one of the targets in the summer. Suddenly, the team regains balance and confidence. The club have money, but they must also show intelligence. Signing Ndidi, at a bargain price, would be a sign that they learned from past mistakes.