Everton must act fast to sign Iliman Ndiaye amid Marseille transfer development
Everton are yet to get going in the transfer market but they will have to pick up the pace if they are to land Sheffield United forward Iliman Ndiaye.
Fabrizio Romano reported (5 July) that the Toffees are one of several Premier League clubs keeping tabs on the Senegal star, having been keen on his signature since April.
An update from footmercato.com (5 July) suggests it is not just domestic rivals the Toffees will have to fend off, with the website claiming Ligue 1 side Marseille have made “first exchanges” with the Blades over the signing of Ndiaye.
There is an emotional tie for Ndiaye too, who was previously part of the youth setup at Marseille between 2010 and 2014.
The 23-year-old has become a player in demand after impressing for Paul Heckingbottom’s side during their promotion-winning season in the Championship last term, scoring 14 times in 45 league appearances.
Ndiaye would be a great fit for a Toffees side who need more pace and more creativity in the final third but they are at risk of being gazumped in the market once again if they do not pick up the pace with their transfer dealings this summer.
Everton have been contending against Financial Fair Play issues, which may explain why there has been little development on player targets so far this summer.
But they can ill afford another campaign scrapping at the bottom of the Premier League. Ndiaye looks likely to be on the move in this window and Everton have to do more to fend off their rivals and secure his signature.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are still in the hunt to sign Swansea striker Joel Piroe.