Leicester, Ndidi reach transfer agreement for reported £15M

Leicester City has confirmed the transfer of Wilfred Ndidi from Genk for a reported £15 million, with the 20-year-old set to join on a contract until 2022 once he's received a work permit.

The defensive midfielder, who has also shown an adeptness at right-back, completed a medical in the east Midlands and will be handed the No. 25 shirt. The Foxes claim to have fought off "considerable competition" for the youngster who already boasts plenty of experience in domestic and continental football.

Ndidi is a Nigeria international, but will be available for Leicester selection when the formalities are expected to be completed later this week due to the Super Eagles not qualifying for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

His arrival will put pressure on Claudio Ranieri's under-performing central midfielders this term, such as Danny Drinkwater, Andy King, and Daniel Amartey, and his ability to be deployed in the backline, where he learned his trade with Nathaniel Boys in Lagos, will add precious versatility to the Leicester squad.

With the delay in getting this deal rubber-stamped, Saturday's FA Cup third-round trip to Everton may come too soon for Ndidi. That tilt is followed by a visit from Chelsea in the Premier League a week later.