Wilfred Ndidi to Manchester United latest: Besiktas identify African star as replacement

Turkish Süper Lig club Besiktas have identified a replacement for Wilfred Ndidi in the event that he departs for Manchester United this summer, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Ndidi joined Besiktas from Leicester City last summer and has quickly established himself as a pivotal figure for the club.

In fact, he currently serves as the vice-captain. The Super Eagles star has featured in every match for which he has been fit to play.

​In the meantime, however, he has been heavily linked with a move to Premier League giants Manchester United, who are looking to bolster their midfield options.

​During the January transfer window, speculation was rife, though nothing concrete eventually materialized. Moreso, the 29-year-old Super Eagles star has not yet indicated a desire to leave the club.

​However, Manchester United remains one of the biggest clubs in the world with a massive pull, so there is a strong possibility that he would be open to making the transfer, provided the financial terms are right.

​Recent reports from Turkey suggest that the Black Eagles are unwilling to sell. Nevertheless, the former Turkish champions are planning for every eventuality.

​Besiktas Plan To Replace Wilfred Ndidi With Franck Kessie

​Besiktas already have another midfielder on their radar, should Wilfred Ndidi depart in the summer. According to reports from Besiktas Plus, the Black Eagles have identified Franck Kessie as a potential replacement for the Nigerian.

​The Ivorian international remains one of Africa’s most highly-rated midfielders, despite currently playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli.

​He has previously played for elite clubs such as Barcelona, AC Milan, and Atalanta, making a significant impact at each stop.

​His current contract with Al-Ahli runs until the summer, and it does not appear that an extension is currently on the table.

​Kessie is capable of playing as a central or defensive midfielder, ensuring he could perform a similar role to the one occupied by Ndidi.

​Nonetheless, it remains to be seen if Ndidi will indeed move to Manchester United this summer, especially as he still has two years remaining on his contract. But should he leave, Kessie would undoubtedly be a high-quality replacement if Besiktas can pull off the deal.