Wilfred Ndidi set to join Nottingham Forest from rivals Leicester City

Nottingham Forest are on the verge of signing Wilfred Ndidi from East Midlands rivals Leicester to further bolster their midfield.

Forest are keen to bring signings in before the end of the transfer window this week.

Forest look set to sign Ndidi from Leicester this summer

They are closing in on a move for Ndidi from Leicester and talkSPORT understands that the Nigerian is pushing for the move.

After the Foxes were relegated to the Premier League, the midfielder has been keen to return to the top flight.

It will be a hefty blow for the Foxes, who have lost several key players in James Maddison, Harvey Barnes and Youri Tielemans.

But they have still started the Championship season well under new manager Enzo Maresca with four wins in four.

Meanwhile, Tricky Trees boss Steve Cooper has made bolstering his midfield a priority before the window shuts this week.

He has already landed highly-rated youngster Andrey Santos on loan from Chelsea.

And now Forest look set to win the race for Ndidi, who is renowned for his defensive prowess in the middle of the pitch.

It comes after an unspecified injury to Orel Mangala, who was absent from the squad that faced Manchester United at the weekend, though it is not thought to be serious.

Ndidi has been keen to return to the Premier League

Nevertheless, Forest are desperate to strengthen their squad after a tough first year back in the Premier League last season.

They narrowly avoided relegation and Cooper is keen to avoid another battle to beat the drop.

The City Ground outfit have already made some big signings, including Chris Wood, whose loan from Newcastle turned permanent in the summer.

Anthony Elanga has also signed from United, as well as Matt Turner in goal from Arsenal.

Ola Aina joined on a free transfer from Torino while Santos and Gonzalo Montiel have joined on loan.

There could be exits from Forest before the end of the window, including Jonjo Shelvey and Harry Arter in midfield.

Gustavo Scarpa, who only signed in January, has also left on loan to join Olympiacos.

Kelechi Iheanacho open to return to Sevilla after Middlesbrough loan move

'Not Good Enough' - Sevilla To Offload Kelechi Iheanacho In January Transfer Category

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has not ruled out the possibility of returning to Spanish club Sevilla.

Iheanacho recently moved to Sky Bet Championship club Middlesbrough on loan, marking a return to England six months after leaving Leicester City for Sevilla.

The 28-year-old forward expressed his fondness for his time at Sevilla, stating, “Obviously, it’s good to leave (England). To feel like I’m in a different environment. It’s a good atmosphere there. It’s a great club. I’ve loved my experience there.”

He continued, “Sevilla is a great team. I’ll always be happy to go back there. I’m here now. I’m focused on what I can achieve here.”

Iheanacho signed a two-season deal with Sevilla, with an option for a third season, after joining the club on a free transfer following his time at Leicester City.

Transfers

Chelsea sign Mathis Amougou from St Etienne for €15 Million

Chelsea have completed the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Mathis Amougou from French Ligue 1 side St Etienne for a fee of €15 million.

Amougou, who is regarded as a highly promising talent, has signed an eight-year contract with the Blues. However, the midfielder is expected to be sent on loan to Strasbourg for the upcoming season, with plans for a return to Chelsea in 2026.

The transfer was confirmed by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on his official X handle, stating:
“Officially confirmed. Mathis Amougou joins Chelsea as a talented 19-year-old midfielder from St Etienne, costing a €15m package. Contract valid for the next 8 years. Amougou will be part of the Chelsea team, then set to go on loan to Strasbourg next season and back in 2026.”

Chelsea fans will be eager to see how Amougou develops during his time at Strasbourg before making his return to Stamford Bridge in the future.

Transfers

Mikel criticizes Chelsea’s January transfer decisions

Former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel has voiced his concerns over Chelsea’s failure to strengthen two critical areas during the January transfer window.

Despite a strong start under new manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s form has dipped, winning only three of their last nine matches across all competitions.

The Blues now sit fourth in the Premier League, 13 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Fans and analysts identified the need for reinforcements in two key positions—goalkeeper and striker. Robert Sánchez has been error-prone, topping the list for mistakes leading to goals this season. Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson has endured a goal drought, failing to score in his last eight games.

Speaking on his podcast, Mikel highlighted the missed opportunity: “For me, that’s something we’re crying out for. We need another top striker. The window is shut, unfortunately, and now we can’t bring anyone in.”

He added: “We didn’t bring in a striker, we didn’t bring in a goalkeeper. That’s another window shut without us making the signings we think are going to help us finish in the top four.”

With the transfer window closed, Chelsea must rely on their existing squad to regain form and push for a top-four finish. The spotlight remains on Maresca to navigate these challenges as the season progresses.