Report: 'Contact has been initiated' by Newcastle for 'colossal' midfielder who will be free agent this summer

It's very much expected that Newcastle United will be shopping around in the free transfer market this summer with moves for a few out-of-contract players already mooted.

Newcastle have been linked with Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly with strong rumours suggesting that it's a deal that's highly likely to go through. The Magpies also have their eye on Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo, although confidence isn't as high that Newcastle will get that one done ahead of some fierce competition.

Another player on Eddie Howe's radar who will be available for free this summer is Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi who is being looked at by several clubs also.

Nigeria international, Ndidi's contract will expire at the end of the season and Newcastle have already begun to make their move according to Team Talk.

Getty Images

Ndidi would be a safe move by Eddie Howe

The defensive midfielder had previously been hailed as 'colossal' by former Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, and although he struggled last season in the Premier League with Leicester, he has regained his form this season in the Championship as Leicester hunt for a return to the top flight.

Newcastle need a defensive midfielder and while there have been a few names linked, Ndidi, being out of contract, represents the cheapest option so far.

He already has Premier League experience and given the lack of transfer fee, it would be a safe move by Eddie Howe.

Newcastle will face competition for Ndidi's signature

Of course, other clubs are keen with Team Talk naming Aston Villa, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Fulham as other interested parties, but it's believed that Newcastle have stolen a march on their competitors by making contact already.

Leicester remain hopeful of extending Ndidi's stay but are also aware of interest from other, more established top-flight clubs.

The 27-year-old hardly fits the 'youngster we can turn into a star' profile that drives Newcastle's recruitment, but thanks to Profit and Sustainability Rules, compromises have to be made, and free transfers who may be a bit older than we'd like are going to be the order of the day until the rules change.