Everton are set for a dramatic late-window return for former forward Richarlison, with Tottenham Hotspur in advanced talks to sign Iliman Ndiaye in a swap deal. The potential move, reported by BBC Sport Football, is part of a chain of interconnected Premier League deals before Tuesday's transfer deadline.
Roberto de Zerbi, the Tottenham head coach, confirmed Richarlison's desire to leave. "Richarlison, I don't know. He said too many times he wants to leave," De Zerbi said. The 29-year-old Brazilian, who was Spurs' top scorer last season with 11 goals, has entered the final year of his contract and was omitted from the match squad for Saturday's 2-0 home loss to Newcastle. His departure would pave the way for Ndiaye, 26, to move to North London after rejecting multiple contract offers from Everton and holding talks with Saudi club Al-Hilal earlier this summer.
What does the Richarlison deal mean for Everton?
Richarlison's return to Goodison Park would provide direct competition for first-choice striker Thierno Barry. Everton's attack could see further reinforcement, as the club have also held talks with United States international Folarin Balogun. Monaco have priced Balogun at £40m, but those with knowledge of the situation expect a significantly lower fee to be possible. The club's current form provides a solid platform for new arrivals, sitting sixth in the Premier League with four points from two games and a positive goal difference of three scored to one conceded. You can track the team's progress on our standings page.
Which other transfers are Everton working on?
Managerial activity extends beyond the forward line. Everton are growing increasingly confident of completing a loan deal to bring Jack Grealish back from Manchester City. Grealish, who entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, prioritised a return to Merseyside after spending last season on loan there. In defence, the club are close to agreeing a £9m deal for Fulham right-back Kenny Tete, who came close to joining last summer. Fulham are already assessing potential replacements, having entered talks to sign Rayo Vallecano's Andrei Ratiu. Meanwhile, Italian club Fiorentina have entered advanced talks to sign striker Beto on a permanent deal.
How does this affect Tottenham's squad?
The potential outgoings are part of a major overhaul at Spurs, who have spent over £300m this summer but sit bottom of the table after losing their first two games without scoring. Richarlison was replaced in the starting XI against Newcastle by Omar Marmoush, who joined on loan earlier in August. Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr have also been linked with moves and were left out of De Zerbi's squad. "Danso came to me two days ago and he said wants to leave and Pape Sarr the same," the coach added. Sunderland had an offer for Danso rejected, while Juventus are understood to be confident of signing Sarr on a loan with a conditional obligation to buy.
What comes next for Everton?
The final days of the window will be busy at Finch Farm as the club aims to finalise these moves. Everton's next challenge is a home match against Manchester United on September 6th. The team will look to maintain their strong early-season form, which has them just two points behind leaders Manchester City in the title race. One absence for that match will be Christian Nørgaard, who is currently sidelined, with his status available on our injuries list. The potential influx of experience, including a proven Premier League scorer in Richarlison, is designed to bolster the squad for the coming fixtures detailed on our fixtures page.
