Everton finally seem to be moving ahead in the winter transfer window. Pending the official announcement, Arnaut Danjuma is set to be unveiled as new Everton player, arriving on loan until the end of the season. Now, the Toffees are eyeing Sheffield United forward Iliman Ndiaye.
The Merseysiders have been linked to a number of forwards since the start of January. The likes of Terem Moffi, Duvan Zapata, Marko Arnautovic and Danny Ings have been consistently linked. Atalanta have no intention to loan out Zapata as they consider him to be an integral part of the team. Ings has moved to West Ham United from Aston Villa, meanwhile, EFC could be priced out in the race to sign Moffi.
The arrival of Danjuma does bolster the attack but more reinforcements are needed as Everton look to engineer the impossible dream of safety. The lack of goals and poor attacking build up has been costing Toffees games after games and they need to sign goalscorers now, if they want to turn the tide around.
Neal Maupay has been extremely underwhelming and has failed to justify as to why the Toffees paid £15 million for the Frenchman in the summer. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also not been effective up top and needs more support, as he had from Richarlison back when the Brazilian was at the club.
Everton tracking Iliman Ndiaye
In order to further improve the attack, Everton are tracking Sheffield United striker Ndiaye. He has been Sheffield United’s main man this season, scoring ten goals and providing seven assists in the Championship. His noteworthy displays haven’t gone unnoticed as clubs are tracking him, including Everton, as per Fabrizio Romano.
However, the understanding is that the player and the Championship club want to continue till the end of the season. If Sheffield continue to maintain this stance, luring Ndiaye will be an arduous task. The 22 year old has a market value of £6.1 million but his exploits in the Championship means that the Blades will try to inflate his valuation as high as possible.
Unless, the Toffees can offer an extraordinary package, a deal is unlikely at this stage. Ndiaye is comfortable in operating in a two striker formation but has also played behind the striker, or as an attacking midfielder.
EFC might have to work on multiple transfer fronts now as time is running out. Add to that the uncertainty regarding Frank Lampard’s future as Everton boss, the next week or so is going to be exhausting for Kevin Thelwell.
Should the Toffees sign Iliman Ndiaye?