Exclusive: Corrie Ndaba set for Lecce talks after Kilmarnock accept offer
Kilmarnock have accepted an offer from Serie A side Leece for defender Corrie Ndaba, sources have told Football Insider.
The Irishman is now set for talks with Lecce over a potential move to Italy after an impressive season with Killie in the Premiership.
Ndaba made 39 appearances in all competitions for Kilmarnock last season, and the 25-year-old is a versatile option, comfortable in defence, midfield, and out wide.
Lecce’s new boss Eusebio Di Francesco, best known for his time in charge of AS Roma, is keen to reinforce his side’s defensive options.
The Italian side finished just three points above the bottom three last term, conceding 58 times in 38 matches.
Stuart Kettlewell endures summer setback for Kilmarnock
Derek McInnes was linked with the Rangers job following Duncan Ferguson’s departure from Ibrox in the summer, before agreeing to take over Hearts.
Despite Kilmarnock struggling for large portions of the 2024/25 campaign, the former Scotland international was still a well-regarded managerial prospect.
In the wake of his exit, Stuart Kettlewell was announced as Kilmarnock boss, leaving Motherwell after a two-year stint.
Killies’ new boss cited abuse from the fans as a motivating factor for his departure from the club [BBC Sport].
However, just a few weeks into the job, Kettlewell has suffered his first setback as Ndaba looks set for a move to Italy, leaving Kilmarnock without one of their best-performing players from last season.
Kilmarnock desperately need defensive upgrades
O’Rourke revealed to Football Insider exclusively in June that Stuart Findlay was following McInnes to Hearts.
The defender spent two years on loan at Kilmarnock, making 24 appearances for the club last term.
With Ndaba seemingly on his way to Italy and Findlay not returning for another stint with Kilmarnock, Kettlewell’s side are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements.
The club finished seven points clear of the relegation playoff last season, but without a stronger backline, there is a good chance that they will struggle next season.
However, Kilmarnock’s deal to sign Chelsea shot-stopper Eddie Beach has at least resolved the goalkeeping issue at Rugby Park.