Everton are showing keen interest in signing Marseille forward Iliman Ndiaye, and the Toffees have lodged a formal bid already, according to a report from Foot Mercato.
The French media outlet reported on 20 June that the Toffees are “crazy” about signing the striker, and they have sent a “first offer” to the French club, although the details of the deal have not been disclosed.
Everton have been tracking him for several months now, and they previously tried their luck signing him in the January window.
His situation at Marseille has changed, and there is a “real desire” on the club’s part to complete the operation, as he is their “number one” summer priority.
Everton looking to do some early business
The Toffees may need to offload players like Jarrad Branthwaite, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jordan Pickford, Dwight McNeil, and Amadou Onana to comply with the Premier League’s financial rules.
However, that hasn’t stopped them from checking options elsewhere. It appears that they want to sign the Senegal international badly and have made a formal move for him.
Ndiaye has a contract at Marseille until 2028 and the French club want to give him another chance to impress. He has previously played for Sheffield United where he managed 22 goals in 88 games for the Blades.
🚨 #mercatOM 🔵⚪️
➡️ ca bouge pour Ilimane Ndiaye
🆕Everton et plusieurs clubs anglais lorgnent l’attaquant international 🇸🇳
🆕les Toffees viennent de faire une première offre à l’OM ‼️https://t.co/VPuzHzUe1Y
avec @Santi_J_FM pic.twitter.com/4bw7R2vFvw— Sébastien Denis (@sebnonda) June 20, 2024
He joined Marseille last summer, but the transfer move hasn’t worked out in his favour. He managed just four goals in 46 games last season, and the love story between the player and the club has been cut short.
Considering how well he performed for the Blades during his time in England, Everton are ready to take a punt on him.
The Toffees are also in talks to sign Aston Villa midfielder Tim Iroegbunam. Everton could also look to offload Lewis Dobbin who has held positive talks over a transfer to Villa this summer.
