Manchester City have identified Everton attacker Iliman Ndiaye as a late-window target, with the Senegal international reportedly making a move to the Etihad Stadium his priority.
City are considering another attacking midfielder as uncertainty continues around Jack Grealish, who returned from his season-long loan spell at Everton this summer.
According to Foot Mercato, talks between Manchester City and Everton over Ndiaye are now “progressing positively”, raising the possibility of a significant deal before the transfer window closes.
Ndiaye makes Manchester City his priority
Ndiaye has attracted considerable interest throughout the summer, including previous links with Al-Hilal.
His father, Mouhamadou Abdoulaye Ndiaye, publicly played down the prospect of an exit in July, insisting his son would remain at Everton or, at the very least, in English football.
“Rest assured, he’s not going anywhere,” he said at the time.
The situation now appears to have shifted.
Foot Mercato reports that Ndiaye “wants to join Manchester City” and has made Enzo Maresca's side his preferred destination should he leave Everton before the deadline.
That represents a potentially important development for City as they attempt to negotiate with the Toffees.
Everton and City talks progressing
Ndiaye remains under contract at Goodison Park until 2029, leaving Everton in a strong negotiating position.
No asking price or proposed City bid has been reported, although the 26-year-old is currently valued at around €55million by Transfermarkt.
Everton manager David Moyes recently insisted the club were not looking to lose their best players and said there had been no approach for Ndiaye at that stage.
The latest report, however, claims negotiations between the two Premier League clubs are progressing positively, suggesting Everton could consider a sufficiently attractive proposal.
Ndiaye joined the Toffees in 2024 and recorded six goals and three assists across 34 appearances last season.
Grealish future could influence City move
Manchester City's pursuit comes as Grealish's future remains unresolved.
The 30-year-old returned to the Etihad after an impressive but injury-hit loan spell at Everton, and a potential return to Goodison Park has been discussed.
City are looking for another attacking midfielder should Grealish depart, placing Ndiaye firmly on their radar.
Maresca's side have already invested heavily this summer, including deals for Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi, while Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez remains another major target.
Adding Ndiaye would represent another significant piece of City's squad rebuild if an agreement can be reached with Everton.
Key Points
- Manchester City have identified Iliman Ndiaye as a late transfer target.
- Foot Mercato reports that Ndiaye wants the move and has made City his priority if he leaves Everton.
- Negotiations between Everton and Manchester City are reportedly “progressing positively”.
- No transfer fee has been reported, while Ndiaye remains contracted to Everton until 2029.
- Jack Grealish's uncertain future could influence City's pursuit of another attacking midfielder.
What’s Next?
Manchester City must now determine whether they can reach an agreement with Everton, who remain in a strong position because of Ndiaye's long-term contract.
The player's reported desire to join City could help negotiations, while developments surrounding Grealish may also prove important. With the deadline approaching, Ndiaye could become one of City's major final moves of the summer.
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