Everton transfer activity has definitely picked up in the last few weeks but their failures to land the desired targets have also increased. The Merseysiders need a striker as the lack of goal scorers has been evident even during pre-season games. There is finally some encouraging news in the striker hunt as Iliman Ndiaye is open to a Premier League move.
Everton managed to win 1-0 in their friendly against Wigan Athletic but 90 minutes of football made it clear that the Toffees need a reliable and potent goal scorer in the team. EFC cannot solely rely on Dominic Calvert-Lewin as the Englishman’s injury record cannot be gambled upon. Neal Maupay has struggled in front of the goal and confidence isn’t high at the moment. In fact, the Toffees are looking to offload him amid interest from Salernitana.
The Toffees have been linked with a long list of strikers. EFC were linked to Viktor Gyokeres but the Merseysiders missed out on the Sweden international. Almeria striker El Bilal Toure continues to be on EFC’s list but a deal is difficult as Atalanta seem ahead in the race. The Toffees also carried out initial inquiries for Union Saint-Gilloise striker Victor Boniface but the Nigerian is on his way to Bayer Leverkusen.
Everton handed a boost in the chase of Iliman Ndiaye
Sheffield United striker Ndiaye is also a player that EFC admires. Everton made a bid for Ndiaye on the deadline day of the winter transfer window but the bid was rejected by the Blades as they wanted to keep the Senegalese amid their push for Premier League.
Sheffield managed to secure promotion and are now willing to sell the 23 year old as the player has just 12 months left on his deal. A new deal hasn’t been agreed and clubs are already lining up for the Senegal international. Marseille were understood to be competing with EFC for Ndiaye and in fact, the Ligue 1 club were favourites to sign Ndiaye.
The player supported Marseille as a child and a move was thought to be close. However, the deal collapsed and Marseille have now signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Chelsea. According to Foot Mercato, Ndiaye prefers to stay in the Premier League and stay in England where his family feels comfortable.
This could be seen as a huge boost for Everton as the player is now open to staying in England. He has just 12 months left on his deal and unless a contract extension isn’t agreed, he will leave the Blades, giving EFC the chance to get their man. He is valued at £15.3 million and the Toffees would be hoping to get a deal done in that region.
Will EFC manage to sign Iliman Ndiaye?