Manchester City target Iliman Ndiaye as Jack Grealish weighs Everton return

Iliman Ndiaye has reportedly given the go-ahead to a possible move to Manchester City, while Jack Grealish is considering a return to Everton after making only limited appearances for City at the start of the season.

Grealish played a few minutes in Manchester City’s opening matches, but his future at the club is already uncertain. The England international may not remain at the Etihad Stadium for the rest of the campaign, with Everton understood to be his preferred destination.

According to the BBC, Grealish is not particularly interested in joining other clubs and would favour a return to Everton, where he spent last season on loan. His time at Goodison Park brought him into an effective partnership with Ndiaye, who could now move in the opposite direction.

Manchester City are said to be keen to bring Ndiaye to the club. The creative midfielder has attracted interest from Pep Guardiola’s side after helping form a productive attacking combination with Grealish during the previous campaign.

Ndiaye has also reportedly turned down several contract-extension offers from Everton in recent weeks. That decision has increased uncertainty over his future and could strengthen Manchester City’s hopes of completing a deal.

The Senegal international’s possible departure would come at the same time as Grealish looks at the prospect of leaving Manchester City. Although Grealish has featured during the early part of the season, his involvement has been limited, creating the possibility of a move before the campaign ends.

Everton would therefore face the prospect of losing Ndiaye while attempting to bring Grealish back to the club. The pair worked well together during Grealish’s loan spell, but their futures could now take them in different directions.

For Manchester City, Ndiaye’s reported willingness to consider the move would add to the club’s interest in the player. City would be pleased to welcome a creative midfielder who has already demonstrated an effective relationship with Grealish.

No transfer has been confirmed, but the developments place both players at the centre of a potential exchange of destinations between Everton and Manchester City. Grealish is considering a return to his former loan club, while Ndiaye could leave Everton for the reigning Premier League side.