Everton tracking £15.3m forward since January but face competition from player’s former club

Everton are desperately in the hunt to sign a striker this summer. The Toffees faced severe consequences for not having a fleeting forward line last season and Sean Dyche is adamant on signing strikers. Sheffield United striker Iliman Ndiaye has been on Everton’s list and the player leaving Sheffield is a high possibility.

The Toffees have been in search of a striker since January. They sold Anthony Gordon for £45 million and hoped to sign a striker from the money received. However, EFC failed to sign a single player despite several attempts made till the final day of the winter transfer window. Everton made a move for Sheffield United’s Ndiaye in the closing stages of the window but the Blades rejected an important bid.

Sheffield United were in contention to secure Premier League football and did not want to lose their top goalscorer mid season. Sheffield United eventually secured promotion but the situation for Ndiaye has changed. The Senegalese was one of the most important players of Paul Heckingbottom’s side, netting 14 goals and providing 11 assists in 46 Championship games.

Everton keen on Iliman Ndiaye but face competition from Marseille

The Blades are now willing to listen to offers for the 23 year old. Ndiaye’s deal expires next summer and despite Sheffield’s efforts to tie him down to a new deal, chances of renewal are low as both parties are apart in contract terms. With Sheffield United now open to selling Ndiaye, a number of clubs have shown interest.

Everton have been long term admirers of the Senegalese striker. According to Fabrizio Romano, crucial days lie ahead for Ndiaye’s future as Marseille are also interested in the striker but they will only sign him on their conditions. Everton have been keen on Ndiaye but they are not the only Premier League club in the race.

Ndiaye has some affinity to Marseille as he spent four years in the youth academy of the French club and supported them when he was a small boy. Perhaps, that could be a catalyst for Ndiaye if Marseille decide to sign the Senegalese. Everton’s hopes of signing Ndiaye could be dashed but the Toffees need to try and attempt to lure him to Goodison Park.

The Senegal international is valued at £15.3 million by Transfermarkt and given that he has only 12 months left on his deal, Sheffield are not in a position to ask a huge amount of money.

Should Everton sign Iliman Ndiaye?