Leicester City issue contract ultimatum, keen to consider other options

Newly appointed Leicester City manager Steve Cooper will give Wilfred Ndidi another week to decide whether or not he wants to continue his stay at the club.

Cooper was announced as Enzo Maresca’s replacement last week after the latter swapped the King Power Stadium dugout for Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.

The former Swansea City and Nottingham Forest boss is already planning his squad for next season, but it remains uncertain whether he will be able to count on Nididi. The Nigerian international was instrumental in Leicester’s Championship campaign last season as they won promotion to the Premier League.

The 27-year-old has contributed six goals and six assists, leading to opening talks with the Foxes over a contract extension. As it stands, however, Ndidi’s current deal will expire at the end of June and both the player and the club are yet to agree an extension.

Leicester City will move on if Wilfred Ndidi fails to commit in the future

While Leicester have already made their desire to keep hold of the midfielder known, Wilfred Ndidi has been linked with several clubs in the Premier League and abroad.

The former Genk midfielder has been free to sign a pre-contract with another club since January but has not exercised that option, indicating he is still interested in extending his stay at Leicester.

However, this latest report suggests that new Foxes manager Cooper would like to know Ndidi’s final decision as soon as possible. According to Filbert Way, Leicester are ready to consider other options if the midfielder decides to end his time with the club.

Manchester City youngster James McAtee, who excelled on loan at Sheffield United last season, tops Leicester’s list of potential replacements for Ndidi.

Meanwhile, Ndidi’s options remain open whether or not he stays at Leicester. The Nigerian international is being courted by Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Brentford and Aston Villa.

In recent weeks, Lyon and Barcelona have also been reported to have registered their interest in signing the midfielder on a free transfer.