Iliman Ndiaye's own words already look a little silly as talks begin for Everton exit

Iliman Ndiaye's Everton future is looking increasingly uncertain.

The Senegal international has been linked with an exit throughout the summer transfer window.

Both Manchester United and Arsenal reportedly had the 26-year-old on a shortlist of wingers they were looking at this summer.

However, now it is mega-rich Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal who are emerging as a leading front-runner to prise Ndiaye away.

Ndiaye is popular with the Toffees fanbase, and has 17 goals in 71 appearances across all competitions for Everton.

But one thing he said prior to the World Cup is now looking a little bit silly after developments that emerged on Sunday.

What did Iliman Ndiaye say on his future before the World Cup?

Goodison News covered reports that Al-Hilal had opened talks with Ndiayes' representatives over a transfer from Everton.

The Saudi Pro League Club have already spent big to sign West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville in a deal that could reach £65million.

They have also been linked with a move for PSG superstar Ousmane Dembele, but Ndiaye is also a target they have in mind.

Ndiaye has apparently opened the door to the move, which makes his comments prior to representing Senegal at the World Cup now look daft.

In an interview with in June Sportbible, he said: "You don't know where football will take you next.

"As I've always said, I want to be the best player and to do that, you have to play at the top. I want to be playing at the top level. I want to be playing Champions League football.

"I want to be playing in Europe, in the Champions League, I want to play in all of these games.”

Iliman Ndiaye could ruin his own Champions League dream

There's no point in denying that the money on offer from the Saudi Pro League is not a consideration for players.

We're talking eye-watering and life-changing sums, and you can understand why any player could be lured by the cash.

But Ndiaye's words about wanting to play Champions League football are barely a month old.

If he now opts to give up that dream to go and chase the riches on offer in Saudi Arabia, it does make his words look a little empty.

This isn't a judgemental thing, if the Saudi route is one he wants to pursue then so be it, that is absolutely his call to make.

But, it's a little hard to stomach when only a few weeks ago he was speaking about his ambition to play in Europe's premier competition.