Having scouted him numerous times this season, Newcastle United won’t be able to land January target Wilfried Ndidi on the cheap with Genk holding out for £8 million, report the Shields Gazette.
While the likes of Chancel Mbemba and Grant Hanley still await more first team opportunities, Rafael Benitez is still keen on Nigerian international Ndidi although the Magpies are likely to face Premier League competition for his signature.
Having won two international caps with the Super Eagles, the 19-year-old has been reportedly slapped with a price tag of £8 million.
While Newcastle United will be able to afford this fee having overseen the multi-million summer departures of Andros Townsend, Georginio Wijnaldum and Moussa Sissoko, it remains to be seen what tact Benitez may employ in the New Year.
The report claims that should Newcastle United continue to dominate the Championship promotion picture come January, Benitez could bring new arrivals in with a view to a Premier League campaign next season.
In regards to Premier League interest in Ndidi, the story also claims that scouts from both Watford and Tottenham have been deployed to watch the Nigerian already this season.