Romano Confirms Man Utd “Have Been Offered” 29 Year Old As Transfer Decision Is Made

BACK David Tully Jan 26th 2026 Man Utd are “exploring the market” as they seek a new midfielder, but they are not expected to sign Besiktas captain Wilfred Ndidi, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed what other sources have said regarding the availability of the 29-year-old former Leicester player, but he says the Red Devils are looking at other options: “On the situation at Manchester United for a midfielder. Man United again have been offered the possibility to go for Ndidi, but at the moment still not proceeding,” he said. “Man United are exploring the market opportunities in midfield, in case there is an opportunity, they could do something in this final week. It is not something guaranteed, but it is something that Manchester United will assess in the next days, in the final week of the transfer window, based on opportunities. Let’s see if United find a good chance, a good opportunity, they could be interested.” Why have Man Utd snubbed Ndidi? The Nigerian international is said to be keen on returning to the UK just six months after leaving for Turkey, so he is someone who would jump at the opportunity of moving to Old Trafford. However, Besiktas are expected to demand a loan with an obligation to buy for between €12m (£10.4m) and €15m (£13m). That is not something which United would be willing to accept. They are looking for a temporary arrangement, as they don’t want to saddle the club’s next permanent manager with a player he doesn’t want. Who could be targeted instead of Ndidi? Ruben Loftus-Cheek was reportedly another option, but he looks more likely to join Aston Villa at the moment, with talks underway between the Midlands club and AC Milan. Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves and Wolves’ Joao Gomes have also been mentioned, but those would have to be permanent deals too, which means they are not under consideration currently. Another possible target, James Garner, meanwhile, has signed a new contract with Everton. Want more news on Man Utd? Add Man U News as a preferred source on Google David Tully David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for the Football News Network.