Everton transfer news: ‘Big’ January update on Iliman Ndiaye as Arnaut Danjuma future at Goodison Park hangs in balance
Everton are to take a “big interest” in Iliman Ndiaye if Arnaut Danjuma leaves the club this month, according to Alan Nixon.
The journalist reported via X on 14 January that the former Sheffield United forward, who was heavily linked to the Toffees before his move to Marseille, would become a major replacement option if their on-loan winger leaves.
Danjuma appeared to be on his way to Ligue 1 during the winter window, with Lyon credited with strong interest and believed to have already held talks with the Villarreal man, but injury to Dwight McNeil has currently put the brakes on that.
Everton can only have two loan signings in the squad at once and Jack Harrison has become a key man after his arrival from Leeds United.
After 14 goals and 11 assists for the Blades in the Championship last term Ndiaye’s move to France hasn’t been anywhere near as successful, with just one goal in 23 appearances across all competitions, and L’Equipe reported on 11 January that Marseille may need to reduce their wage bill this month.
Better late than never?
Everton have been after Ndiaye for a year now after having a £20million bid rejected for him last January while he was still at Bramall Lane.
The club also attempted to land Danjuma on loan that month, only to see him back out of the move to join Tottenham when Frank Lampard was sacked.
After securing the Dutchman at the second attempt in the summer his impact hasn’t been what might have been hoped with just four Premier League starts, and in order to free up space for an addition to Sean Dyche’s squad it might seem logical to let him leave.
But whether Ndiaye is the right target is open to question as his impact in the French top flight has been majorly reduced compared to in the Championship.
He may need a return to the English game to return to top form but it would be a gamble to assume he could step up in the Premier League, although his ability to fill in behind the forward where Abdoulaye Doucouré’s recent absent proved so critical is a positive factor.
The Toffees have already been disappointed by the outcome after belatedly signing one former target following an underwhelming move elsewhere as Danjuma’s lack of involvement at Spurs has carried over, so a similar situation could arise with Ndiaye.
McNeil’s injury has thrown a spanner into the works of any January plans as Dyche isn’t blessed with extensive cover, so it would need to be someone the club a pretty sure can contribute over the second half of the season if Everton do cut Danjuma’s loan short and go after an alternative, which his start against Aston Villa backing up the manager’s claim that he is set to be involved still.
In other Everton news, a major development has emerged in the takeover process at Goodison Park.