Iheanacho, Ejuke rivals enter race to sign 65-cap Super Eagles midfielder

LALIGA side Real Betis have reportedly entered the race for Wilfred Ndidi’s signature and are looking to hijack the signing of the Nigerian, who was initially bound for Beşiktaş.  

Betis have been active this transfer window, having already made eight signings. However, they need more, with the defensive midfield and right-wing positions still left unfilled. 

Johnny Cardoso’s sale to Atletico Madrid saw a significant windfall come the way of the Heliopolitans, but it left them with a hole in their midfield.

Given LALIGA’s strict salary rules and their other activities in the window, they are looking for a low-cost fix, and according to Diario AS, they have identified Ndidi as an ideal candidate and have informed the player. 

As Pulse Sports reported, the Nigerian midfielder has been working on an exit from Leicester this summer, after the Foxes suffered their second relegation in his stint at the club. 

Ndidi has a relatively low €9 million release clause and has been courted by clubs in Germany, Turkey and England. Super Lig outfit Besiktas are currently in the lead, after Fabrizio Romano reported that they were nearing total agreement on personal terms with the Nigerian. 

However, they are trying to sign him for less than his €9 million release clause and have had a €7 million bid knocked back.  Beşiktaş are not alone in this, as other suitors are hoping to exploit Leicester City's regulatory and financial issues to sign the Nigerian for less. 

Betis are also wary of matching Leicester’s demands but have certainly created doubt in the Nigerian’s mind, as playing in LALIGA is significantly more attractive than the Turkish Super Lig.