Recent reports have stated that Rafa Benitez is looking to bolster his squad by adding Genk’s £8million rated Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi in the January window.
The Newcastle manager has sent scouts to check on the youngster, who has attracted the interest of numerous clubs around Europe over the past year. He has been linked with Watford, Tottenham and Chelsea, and most recently had a £5million bid from Hamburg rejected.
The young defensive midfielder, who can also play at fullback or in midfield has received rave reviews for his performances in the Belgian Jupiler League. He is a strong and quick player, and very comfortable on the ball. Such is his ability is that the 19-year-old was named one of the best young players in Belgium last year and he has already made appearances for the Nigerian national team.
It is perhaps his performances in the Europa League that have particularly impressed. His performances at that level, as seen by the scouts sent by Benitez, have been particularly impressive and have given the indication that he can play at a higher level.
Benitez obviously has one eye on the future and Premier League participation with this move, as he looks to build a team for the future that is capable of not only getting into the Premier League, but being successful.
And there is room in the Newcastle team for a player with the abilities of Ndidi, so it is not surprising Newcastle are in the hunt.
Two of the most likely positions for Benitez to target are the central defensive position and the defensive midfield position.
Both are probably adequately staffed for participation in the Championship with Ciaran Clark, and Isaac Hayden currently operating in these positions. But if Newcastle are to be successful in the Premier League, these are two of the most obvious positions that they will be able to upgrade.
Clark has shown that he isn’t the most comfortable at Premiership level, at least if your intention is to challenge the big boys. Last season he was relegated with Aston Villa who were quite frankly appalling.
Hayden meanwhile has impressed this season, and whilst he is only young, clearly has a future and Benitez is developing the England youth international. He too is capable of playing both in the centre of defence or midfield, so it doesn’t have to be either/or with Ndidi. But as both are young players, it would be sensible to have cover for both in order to help them develop, as the Premier League can be unforgiving.
What is perhaps most pleasing for Newcastle fans is that Benitez is looking to develop a team of young hungry players that can grow together and improve for the future. This probably represents their best chance of sustained success.