Barcelona 'preparing move for Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi'

The 26-year-old has been with Leicester since 2017, making 252 appearances for the club in all competitions, contributing 14 goals and 16 assists in the process.

The midfielder had been tipped to leave the Foxes over the summer following their relegation to the Championship, but he remained at the King Power Stadium past the deadline.

Ndidi only has a contract with the Championship leaders until next June, though, and he is widely expected to seek pastures new at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Barcelona are believed to be long-term admirers of the Nigeria international, and according to Sport, the Catalan outfit are hopeful of signing him on a free transfer in June 2024.

Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Juventus are also said to be keen on the central midfielder, but Barcelona are believed to be at the head of the queue for his signature.

The La Liga champions, as it stands, would be able to enter into discussions with Ndidi over a pre-contract at the start of 2024.

Barcelona allegedly attempted to sign Ndidi 'a few years ago', but Leicester are believed to have wanted as much as £60m for his services at that moment in time.

The midfielder has been in strong form for the Foxes during the current season, scoring three goals and registering four assists in 15 appearances in all competitions.

Ndidi has gained Champions League experience during his time with Leicester, featuring on four occasions in the competition, while he has also played 14 times in the Europa League.

Manchester United and Arsenal have both previously been credited with an interest in him, although it is unclear whether the Premier League duo still have him on their radars.

Barcelona lost inspirational captain Sergio Busquets last summer, but they boosted their midfield options with the signing of Oriol Romeu from Girona, while Fermin Lopez has made the breakthrough this season.

Frenkie de Jong has had his injury problems, though, while Pedri is still coming back from a thigh issue.

Midfield is believed to be an area that Barcelona are looking to improve next year, and the club are also being linked with Bayern's Joshua Kimmich and Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi.