Newcastle United have been told not to pay the £20million asking price set by Eintracht Frankfurt for French defender Evan Ndicka. The Magpies are one of a number of top flight European clubs linked with the young French defender after a stellar 12 months with the Bundesliga outfit.
The 23-year-old played a key part in the German side's Europa League winning campaign and is highly thought of across Europe. The Toon were linked with a move for the centre-defender heading into the summer transfer window, but with his contract set to expire next summer, Ndicka is reportedly considering his options.
Chronicle Live spoke with Christopher Michel, Eintracht Frankfurt reporter for German outlet Sport1, for an insight into how Evan Ndicka has fared since he was linked to St. James' Park last season and whether a January move could come to fruition.
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The last time we talked, Frankfurt was still playing in the Europa League, but then won the tournament. What role did Ndicka play on the way to the final and in the victory?
Christopher Michel: "Evan Ndicka was a key player for Oliver Glasner, just as he had been under former coach Adi Hütter. He missed only two games in the Europa League season and was an important factor in the historic victory.
"Although Ndicka is only 23 years old, he has already played 162 games for Eintracht. Sometimes he has a positional error in his game, he could also be more resolute in duels.
"But in the overall package, Ndicka is an outstanding player: left-footed, good passing, fast, good header, also capable of scoring, as 10 goals and 10 assists show."
How has Ndicka performed this season?
CM: "Evan Ndicka is playing soccer at a consistently high level. He missed only 7 (!) minutes in Bundesliga and Champions League this season.
"His strongest moment was on the fifth Champions League matchday when he set up Eintracht's opening goal with a great individual effort. Of all the Eintracht defenders, Ndicka is the most consistent"
He was linked with a move from Frankfurt in the summer. Do you think he could leave in January?
CM: "No, I don't assume that. Eintracht needs Ndicka to master the tasks in the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB Cup. Sports director Markus Krösche is still working on a contract extension, his contract expires next summer.
"Ndicka himself is talking to many clubs, he can collect a lot of hand money in a transfer without a transfer fee. Therefore, I think a departure in January is unrealistic."
What kind of transfer fee would Frankfurt ask for?
CM: "Of course, if a club offers more than 20 million euros, then Eintracht Frankfurt might weaken. They would also need a replacement for Ndicka, of course. I don't think a club will pay that much for Ndicka if he doesn't cost a transfer fee in 6 months."
Do you think he was unlucky not to be called up to the French World Cup squad?
CM: "Evan Ndicka did not plan on participating in the World Cup. France's squad is very strong, coach Didier Deschamps has a lot of top-class alternatives. If Ndicka continues to develop and plays regularly in the Champions League, his chances will increase.
"But now there are players like Upamecano, Konate, Varane or Koundé ahead of him."
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