Manchester City are exploring a potential £80 million move for Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye as the transfer deadline approaches. The Daily Mail Sport reports that City are pushing for signings with just three days left in the window, and Ndiaye is one of several targets.
Ndiaye has three years remaining on his current Everton contract but has turned down offers of a new deal. Tottenham Hotspur also retain an interest in the player, adding further competition for his signature. Everton, who began their Premier League season with a win and sit fifth in the table, face a significant challenge to retain a key asset.
What does Ndiaye's contract situation mean?
Iliman Ndiaye's current deal runs until 2029, giving Everton a strong negotiating position. However, his rejection of new contract offers signals a potential desire to move on. This situation often forces a club to consider a sale to avoid losing a player for a reduced fee later. For an Everton side that has scored two goals without conceding in its opening match, keeping attacking talent is important. The club's current squad shows depth in midfield, but losing a player of Ndiaye's caliber would require a major replacement.
Who else are Manchester City targeting?
Pep Guardiola's side are active on multiple fronts. Their primary interest is in Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo, though no official approach has been made. Liverpool would need to sign two more forwards themselves before considering a sale and would demand a substantial fee. Gakpo started for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest last Saturday. City are also pushing to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea and have been linked with Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister as a backup option, though no contact has been made for the latter.
How does this affect Everton's plans?
The potential departure of Ndiaye comes as Everton are themselves linked with a move for Manchester City's Jack Grealish, a target also monitored by Tottenham. Any major incoming funds could reshape the club's transfer strategy in the final days of the window. Managerial planning must also account for current absentees, with Christian Nørgaard, Tim Iroegbunam, and Hayden Hackney all sidelined, as shown on the club's injuries page.
What is the context of Everton's season?
Sean Dyche's team made a positive start, winning their first match 2-0 to sit fifth with three points. They are already three points behind early leaders Manchester City. The next challenge is a home fixture against Manchester United on September 6th. United's current 16th-place standing makes the match an opportunity for Everton to build momentum. Fans can track the evolving standings as the season progresses. The reported interest in Ndiaye adds an off-field narrative to a campaign that has begun with promise on the pitch.
