United locked in talks to sign “exceptional” midfield wrecking ball after Solskjaer demanded his signing – report

Fabrizio Romano reveals Manchester United have once again been offered the chance to sign Wilfred Ndidi before the January transfer window closes – but a shock new report reveals exactly why INEOS are targeting the 29-year-old midfielder. Market Opportunities The Red Devils were linked with a move for Ndidi as a short-term option to bolster Michael Carrick’s midfield unit last week. The Besiktas enforcer has previous experience in England, having won the FA Cup with Leicester City in 2021, and captained Nigeria to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. While his limitations on the ball will be no surprise to United fans, Ndidi remains a defensive powerhouse, ranking in the 98th percentile for interceptions, 97th for aerial duels, 94th for tackles and 92nd for clearances amongst midfielders in Europe. A loan move with a buy option would represent an unglamorous but astute addition at this late stage of the winter window, with Romano confirming United remain interested in the Nigerian midfielder. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the Italian transfer guru states INEOS are continuing to explore “market opportunities” in the final week of the window, with Ndidi again on the menu. “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,” Romano 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.” A report by TEAMtalk reveals United identified Ndidi as a target after taking on board advice from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, his former manager at Besiktas. Solskjaer wants Ndidi at Old Trafford Solskjaer was previously in charge of the Turkish side until his dismissal in August – his only job since leaving United in 2021. However, he came close to being re-appointed at Old Trafford as INEOS searched for a caretaker manager to replace Ruben Amorim until the end of the season, with the Norwegian neck and neck alongside Michael Carrick for the role. Ultimately, United’s hierarchy opted for the Englishman, who has since led the side to impressive back-to-back victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, with growing noise around giving him the job permanently. However, when INEOS were interviewing both candidates, Solskjaer is understood to have been asked to “share his thoughts on the squad and areas he felt needed strengthening,” according to TEAMtalk.  The 52-year-old identified Ndidi as a “player worth considering” while making United aware of his former midfielder’s potential availability in January, with the Nigerian keen to return to the Premier League. “The 29-year-old Nigeria international defensive midfielder, now plying his trade with Turkish giants Besiktas, was mentioned as someone Solskjaer admired from his time managing in the Premier League. Solskjaer also worked with Ndidi at Besiktas during his short spell in charge of the Turkish Super Lig club. “Sources indicate that Man Utd have since made initial enquiries and have been informed about Ndidi’s situation, but no formal offer has been lodged at this stage…Ndidi’s profile fits United’s need for greater physicality and defensive cover in midfield, an area that has come under scrutiny this season.” Final Thoughts It remains to be seen whether United act on the guidance of their former striker and manager, with a sense the club are willing to wait until the summer to begin their midfield rebuild. However, should a loan deal present itself for a defensive powerhouse with excellent leadership qualities and Premier League pedigree, it may be enough to convince INEOS to accept Solskjaer’s advice and sanction a move for Ndidi. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.