Manchester City assess ambitious late-window swoop for Iliman Ndiaye

Manchester City are considering a late move for Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.

The Senegal international has attracted attention from the English champions after impressing with his versatility and ability to drive at defenders for Everton. Enzo Maresca is understood to view Ndiaye as a significant potential addition who could add greater energy and variety to Manchester City’s attack.

However, any deal is likely to prove difficult to negotiate. Everton are determined to retain a player they signed from Marseille in 2024, and Ndiaye remains under contract with the Toffees until 2029.

The Merseyside club are demanding a fee in the region of £80m, which is more than €90m, before they would consider allowing their forward to leave. That valuation represents a substantial barrier for Manchester City, who are assessing whether the Senegal international would justify such a sizeable investment at this stage of the window.

Ndiaye’s versatility is a major part of his appeal. His range of attacking qualities and willingness to commit defenders have made him an attractive option as Manchester City examine ways to strengthen their forward line. The club are understood to be weighing his potential impact against the financial terms required to prise him away from Everton.

Manchester City are not alone in monitoring the situation. Other leading English clubs are also keeping an eye on the player, increasing the pressure on the English champions to decide whether to make their interest formal.

For now, Manchester City are evaluating the possibility of submitting a concrete offer rather than having committed to a bid. The final decision from the club’s hierarchy could be influenced by departures from the current squad before the transfer window closes imminently.

Everton’s position is strengthened by the length of Ndiaye’s contract and their firm belief in the player, who arrived from Marseille last year. Unless Manchester City or another interested club is prepared to approach the Toffees’ £80m asking price, negotiations are unlikely to progress easily.

The coming days will therefore determine whether Manchester City turn their interest in Ndiaye into an official approach, or decide that the cost of the prospective deal is too high. For Everton, the priority remains clear: keep hold of their Senegal international unless their valuation is met.