Wilfred Ndidi is reportedly among Brendan Rodgers targets as the new Celtic boss looks to raid Leicester - but there are some staggering numbers behind a potential deal.
And the new Parkhead boss may have unwittingly priced the Scottish Premiership champions out of a deal with his previous comments on the midfielder during his time as Foxes boss. Parkhead majority shareholder Dermot Desmond is set to hand Rodgers a bumper transfer kitty following his return to Celtic Park with the Irishman desperate to build a side capable of making a mark on the Champions League while continuing to dominate in Scotland.
Reports suggest that the 26-year-old has been viewed by Rodgers as fitting the profile of player he would like to add to his revamped squad - who has just a year left on his current Leicester contract following their relegation from the English Premier League. He cost the relegated side £17million when he made the move to the King Power Stadium in 2017, but Enzo Maresca and the club risk the player leaving for nothing in January if they don't sell this summer.
However, Celtic could be forced to pay a bumper fee to seal a deal - if Rodgers' own valuation is anything to go by. With the transfer window approaching 12 months ago speculation was surrounding the midfield enforced and a potential move to either Aston Villa or Manchester United - with Villa reportedly weighing up a £50million move for the key player. When that figure was put to Rodgers at a press conference, he quipped: "He's worth much more than that."
"A player of that quality and mentality, of course you want to always keep. But when you have that player, he will always attract interest."
The 26-year-old salary could be another stumbling block for any potential deal. The Leicester Mercury previously reported that Ndidi netted a staggering £75,000 per week with the club.
It would a real sign of the spending power behind Rodgers on his comeback to Glasgow's east end if a deal was to get over the line. But it will take some staggering figures to get the Nigeria international in the door.
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