What Everton fans need to know as direct talks planned to advance Iliman Ndiaye transfer

Iliman Ndiaye's transfer from Everton to Al-Hilal could speed up in the coming days.

The Senegal internal is facing an increasingly uncertain future at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Earlier in the trasnfer window, the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal were linked with a move for the 26-year-old.

Nothing really seemed to progress from either of those rumours, and there were hopes Everton could convince him to sign a new contract.

However, it now looks as though the mega-rich Saudi Pro League outfit are pushing hard to secure Ndiaye's signature.

A new update has now emerged that could see things speed up over his departure from David Moyes' squad.

What's the latest with Al-Hilal's pursuit of Everton ace Iliman Ndiaye?

Goodison News covered the initial reports of Al-Hilal opening talks with the representatives of Everton ace Ndiaye.

Ndiaye is said to be open to the idea of discussing a move to Al-Hilal, who have also been linked with a move for PSG superstar Ousmane Dembele.

Al-Hilal are going on somewhat of a spending spree having already signed Crysencio Summerville from West Ham in a move that could eventually be worth £65million.

Noted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has now reported that Al-Hilal are to hold direct talks to advance the transfer of Ndiaye this week.

He added that "discussions will follow on player and club side".

Romano's update finished by saying that the price of the deal will be determined by Everton, and that Ndiaye has yet to close the door to the possibility of moving to Saudi Arabia.

What has Iliman Ndiaye previously said on this Everton future?

Ndiaye was pretty vocal on his Everton future when asked about it prior to the World Cup.

The former Marseille forward has been a popular figure with the blue half of Merseyside over the past couple of seasons.

But, when speaking to Sportbible in June, 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.”

So, Ndiaye has not been shy about his discussing his ambitions, though it appears he is ready - for now at least - to forego his wish of playing in the Champions League.

For Everton, the focus has to be on getting the absolute best deal possible if they are going to sanction this sale.