By Korede James
Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has insisted that Wilfred Ndidi will not be sold by the club anytime soon, although the Nigeria international is reportedly attracting interest from Ligue 1 club AS Monaco.
French outlet L’Equipe had reported on Thursday that Monaco were eyeing a loan-to-buy deal for Ndidi after their attempt to sign Edson Alvarez from West Ham fell through.
But van Nistelrooy was adamant that Leicester would not be letting the 28-year-old Super Eagles midfielder leave.
The Manchester United legend said he sees midfielder as an important part of the club’s survival bid and is keen to welcome him back from a hamstring injury that has kept him out for a month and a half.
Since Ndidi has been sidelined Leicester have lost every Premier League game they have played.
Asked if he would be willing to let Ndidi go, Van Nistelrooy, speaking in Friday’s press conference ahead of his side’s away fixture to Tottenham replied: “No, of course not. Wilfred is a key player and person in the squad and in the club and I’m glad he is nearly there to help the team again.
“We know how much we’ve missed him and we know we need him. Wilf is key in the coming months, a key part of this team that can get us out of this situation.”
Ndidi has provided four assists in 15 appearances for Leicester this season and his only goal this campaign has come in the Carabao Cup.
Meanwhile, Van Nistelrooy has his work cut out as his Leicester side have lost their last seven English Premier League games.
His only win in the league as Leicester manager was on his debut against West Ham (3-1) on December 3.
The Foxes are currently in 19th place in the league table, two points from safety.
