adminTottenham Enter Race for Everton Star Illiman Ndiaye as Transfer Battle Intensifies
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly entered the growing race to sign Everton attacking midfielder Illiman Ndiaye, joining Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester City in the pursuit of the Senegal international.
Spurs have already enjoyed an extremely busy summer transfer window, spending more than £300 million on new arrivals as Roberto De Zerbi continues to reshape his squad. Manchester City duo Omar Marmoush and Savio are among the latest additions, further strengthening Tottenham’s attacking options.
Despite their significant spending, Tottenham are believed to be looking for one final addition before the transfer window closes, with the club specifically targeting another player capable of operating in wide attacking areas.
Cody Gakpo has been strongly linked with a move to North London for some time, particularly with his long-term future at Liverpool reportedly uncertain following the expected arrival of Bradley Barcola.
However, French publication Foot Mercato claims Tottenham are now also weighing up a potential move for Everton’s Ndiaye. The 26-year-old has reportedly rejected the opportunity to sign a new contract at Goodison Park, increasing speculation over his future.
Interestingly, the report suggests a potential deal could involve Richarlison moving in the opposite direction, which would see the Brazilian return to Everton four years after leaving the Merseyside club for Tottenham.
De Zerbi has already hinted that Tottenham could make another signing before the deadline. Speaking about the club’s transfer activity on Friday, the Italian manager admitted he had not anticipated such an aggressive summer.
“I didn’t expect a transfer window like we have done,” De Zerbi said.
“I think we can do one player more in one specific position.
“Yesterday we went to dinner with the owners, Johan [Lange, sporting director] and Vinai [Venkatesham, chief executive] and we spoke about this. All of us are on the same page and a very good connection.”
Ndiaye’s future has been the subject of considerable speculation throughout the summer. The Everton star appeared close to joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, with negotiations reportedly reaching an advanced stage before the player dramatically changed his mind.
The Senegalese forward is understood to prefer remaining in the Premier League, and Manchester City have reportedly emerged as one of the leading contenders for his signature following the departures of Savio and Marmoush.
Arsenal are also believed to be monitoring the situation, although reports indicate that Julian Alvarez remains their preferred attacking target should they decide to strengthen their forward line before the deadline.
Everton, meanwhile, are understood to value Ndiaye highly and could demand a fee in the region of £80 million for the player at this stage of the transfer window.
Everton manager David Moyes has insisted that his club have no intention of rushing into selling their key players.
“We’re certainly not in a hurry to sell our best players, that’s for sure,” Moyes said.
“As far as I know, we’ve got nothing to be concerned about, we’ve had no contact from any club. Somebody told me we had contact with Al-Hilal during the summer, we had nothing from them.
“There’s a lot stuff that floats around which is not always true. Maybe this is true but certainly the stuff previous wasn’t.”
With Tottenham, Manchester City and Arsenal all reportedly monitoring Ndiaye, the final days of the transfer window could determine whether Everton manage to keep one of their most valuable attacking players or receive a major offer that proves too difficult to reject.
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