Everton transfer news as huge twist update emerges in pursuit of Iliman Ndiaye deal
Everton are now close to total agreement with Marseille over a deal to sign Iliman Ndiaye, according to Foot Mercato.
The French outlet reported via their website on 24 June that a year after choosing to join the Ligue 1 side instead of the Toffees the former Sheffield United forward is now expected to head back to the Premier League barring a “huge twist” and sign for Sean Dyche’s side.
Everton had made a first offer for the 24-year-old which was deemed insufficient by his club, but the latest update is that the two sides are now on the brink of reaching an agreement, with just “a few details” to be resolved before the matter is definitive.
The Toffees have been after the Senegal international for multiple transfer windows and finally look set to get their man.
Ndiaye would follow Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa and Jack Harrison from Leeds United on loan if he does arrive at Goodison Park.
Everton close to agreement with Marseille for new signing
Ndiaye cost Marseille a reported €20million [£16.9m] a year ago and were said to be looking to make their money back to let him go this summer [L’Equipe, 21 June].
That might not be a vast figure for a Premier League club it is still significant for a Toffees side which has had such a struggle in recent transfer windows, so whether it is predicated on further departures remains to be seen.
Lewis Dobbin has already gone to Aston Villa in what appeared to be a deal to help address concerns over profit and sustainability pressures before the 30 June accounting cut off [The Athletic, 21 June].
But a move for a new striker was thought to require another high-profile departure to go through first, amid links to a move for Chelsea’s Armando Broja [Lyall Thomas, 11 June].
A Dominic Calvert-Lewin exit would be the logical one to lead to a new forward coming in, but despite seemingly advancing towards a Newcastle move that deal has now collapsed [Alan Myers, 24 June].
With just a year left on his current contract unless he agrees an extension this summer it is impossible to rule out the Englishman leaving still, and if he does it may be a concern that Ndiaye only managed to score four times in 46 total appearances since his France move.
Goalscoring was a major weakness at times last season so the last thing Dyche needs is another player who is struggling to find the net, but the Toffees have long-been after Ndiaye so clearly the recruitment department see a lot in him.
Although he also only managed 22 Sheffield United goals in 88 appearances he is versatile enough to be used in the attacking midfield role that was such a struggle when Abdoulaye Doucouré was out last term, as well as on both flanks where the squad remains light.
In other Everton news, a “serious” update has emerged as the Toffees trail a new full-back from a world-famous manager’s squad.
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