Manchester United cool interest in Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye over £75m asking price

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye have faded, with the Senegal international’s club demanding £75m for a deal this summer.

Football Insider reports that United are unwilling to meet Everton’s valuation at this stage, while Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal have emerged as the leading contenders to sign the 26-year-old.

Al Hilal are understood to be prepared to pay the full asking price and offer Ndiaye a substantial salary. However, the player’s preference is to remain in Europe for the 2026-27 season, which could leave United with an opportunity if their financial position or approach changes.

Ndiaye joined Everton from Marseille in the summer of 2024 for £15.4m. Since moving to Goodison Park, he has made 71 appearances for the club, scoring 71 goals and providing three assists.

United first showed an interest in the forward in March, after he attracted attention during his first season in the Premier League. His form continued throughout the 2025-26 campaign, keeping him on the radar of a number of clubs despite Everton’s determination to secure a significant fee for his departure.

Ndiaye scored six goals and supplied three assists in the Premier League last season. He also scored once and created two goals for Senegal at the 2026 World Cup.

The forward remains under contract with Everton until the summer of 2029. Everton’s absence from European competition has nevertheless contributed to speculation that the club could face increased pressure to consider offers from interested sides.

With the proposed fee currently regarded as too high, Manchester United are examining less expensive alternatives to strengthen their attack before the new season begins.

One of those options is Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao, whose value is estimated at about £34m. United are reportedly interested in the Portugal international, although they face competition from Liverpool.

The English club have also been linked with Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi as they continue to assess possible additions in the final third.

For now, Al Hilal are considered to be ahead in the race for Ndiaye because of their willingness to satisfy Everton’s financial demands. The player’s desire to continue playing in Europe, however, means the move is not settled, and United could still have a chance if the circumstances surrounding the transfer change.

Any agreement would have to take into account both Everton’s £75m valuation and Ndiaye’s long-term contract, rather than simply the player’s preference over his next destination.