Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye has been added to Manchester United‘s shortlist of potential targets as they seek to bolster their squad this summer. United are actively scouring the market for attacking midfield reinforcements and are among a number of clubs showing serious interest in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
Competition for the Europa League winner is expected to be fierce, however, and Toffees star Ndiaye has emerged as a possible alternative. Everton have no intention of parting with the Senegal international aof nd, considering he remains tied to the club until 2029, feel they hold a strong position to rebuff approaches or at least maintain control the conditions of any potential deal.
Ndiaye has established himself as an exceptional performer for the Toffees over two campaigns since his arrival from Marseille. The 26-year-old has netted 15 goals across those league seasons, with memorable moments including spectacular solo strikes against Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park and at Sunderland last term.
He became the final senior men’s player to score at Goodison Park and the first player to register a goal in a competitive fixture at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, when his double secured a triumphant debut on the waterfront against Brighton and Hove Albion.
David Moyes has consistently emphasised that Ndiaye, who claimed the disputed Africa Cup of Nations crown in January and is scheduled to participate at the World Cup, forms part of his essential group of players and that his intention is to retain the former Sheffield United forward.
As recently as April, the Everton manager hit back at mounting speculation surrounding Ndiaye by declaring: “He is the last person I would consider selling. There are others as well [that I wouldn’t want to sell], but my point is I have no interest in hearing the talk if there is talk out there.
“But it is getting too hard to build teams and also supporters are looking for a quick return, which managers are not getting. So why would we be giving up their better players?”
The Toffees have, nonetheless, long anticipated serious interest in one of their prized assets heading into a pivotal summer transfer window.
That interest could materialise from Old Trafford, particularly should Manchester United fail in their pursuit of Rogers.
The Red Devils are eager to bolster their options on the left flank, which is Ndiaye’s most productive position at Everton, although he has also shone on the right and has featured centrally at various stages of his career.
Following the immediate impact made this season by summer recruits Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha, there is a firm appetite to bring in players with proven Premier League pedigree, which has brought Ndiaye firmly onto their radar.
Should United press ahead with a move, it would require a fee representing a substantial profit on the £15m Everton paid in the summer of 2024 before they would even entertain the prospect of letting him go.