Manchester United and newly promoted Hull City are tracking Besiktas defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi ahead of a potential summer transfer to the English Premier League.
The Turkish club has placed an €8 million price tag on the Nigerian international, matching the fee they paid to Leicester City last year.
United's Midfield Search
Manchester United are exploring options to replace veteran midfielder Casemiro, who left Old Trafford after his contract expired.
According to reports from Soccernet.
ng and Footy-Africa, United revived their interest in the 29-year-old Ndidi after missing out on other midfield targets earlier in the transfer window.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano discussed United's transfer dilemma on his YouTube channel, noting how quickly prior targets moved to rival clubs.
"Talking about midfielders, guys, I always wanted to mention what's going to happen next now at Manchester United because in 24 hours, we saw Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes – three players who were of interest of Manchester United, but then the race was already left – going elsewhere," Romano said.
United have turned internal attention toward other top-tier options, though financial and contractual obstacles remain.
"The two names that Man Utd internally consider as fantastic options are Aurelien Tchouameni, but I told you the problem is the salary, and at the moment no green light from Real Madrid, and also Alex Scott is also highly rated by Arsenal and by Manchester United," Romano added.
One of those targets, Alex Scott, faces resistance from his current Premier League employer Bournemouth, who intend to secure his long-term future.
"Alex Scott has many clubs surrounding this summer, but Bournemouth insist they want to keep the player, and they want to offer him a new contract," Romano said.
It remains uncertain whether prospective buyers can test that resolve with substantial bids before the window closes.
"Let's see if Bournemouth will be able to keep him, because one thing is to say that, one thing is in the next two months resist in case they receive big proposals," Romano said.
Both Manchester United and Arsenal retain a strong appreciation for the player, despite Bournemouth's firm stance against a sale.
"Both clubs like him. At the moment, from Bournemouth, is no – he is not leaving," Romano said.
The race for midfield reinforcements could shift focus rapidly if substantial financial offers change the stance of selling clubs.
"But, in case they open doors to an exit for big money, we have to follow these two clubs keen eventually on Alex Scott," Romano said.
Hull City's Interest
Meanwhile, Fanatik reported that Hull City owner Acun Ilıcalı is heavily pursuing Ndidi to reconstruct the team's core following their Championship play-off final victory.
However, sources close to the situation informed Allnigeriasoccer. com that Hull City have yet to open formal negotiations with the player's camp.
Ndidi remains contracted to Besiktas for two more years but is reportedly outside the plans of new head coach Vincenzo Italiano following a fourth-place finish in the Turkish Super Lig.
The midfielder is scheduled to report for pre-season training with the Turkish side while transfer discussions continue.
