Manchester City are progressing in discussions with Everton over a potential deal for Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye, with Jack Grealish possibly forming part of the proposed transfer.
Ndiaye is understood to be keen on a move to the Etihad Stadium and has reportedly given his approval to a Manchester City contract that would run until 2031.
The 26-year-old remains under contract with Everton until 2029, meaning City must reach an agreement with the Merseyside club before the Senegalese forward can make the move.
Talks between the two Premier League clubs are understood to be developing positively, with City exploring different ways of structuring the deal.
One possibility being considered is the inclusion of Grealish, who spent last season on loan at Everton.
Everton manager David Moyes is said to value the England international and Grealish himself would reportedly welcome a return to the club.
That could give City an opportunity to use the former Aston Villa player as part of negotiations for Ndiaye, rather than meeting Everton’s full valuation through a straightforward transfer fee.
City have identified strengthening their attacking options as a priority and Ndiaye has emerged as one of the players they are pursuing.
The Senegal international’s potential arrival would provide another attacking option for the club after a number of departures from City’s forward line.
His reported desire to join the Premier League champions could also help move negotiations forward, although Everton remain the key obstacle to any agreement.
Ndiaye joined Everton with his contract running until 2029, but his reported interest in City’s proposal means his future could become one of the major stories of the closing stages of the transfer window.
For Everton, the possibility of bringing Grealish back permanently or as part of a wider agreement adds another layer to the negotiations.
The England international spent the previous season at Goodison Park on loan and made an impression on Moyes, who is understood to be keen on retaining him.
Aston Villa are also interested in Grealish, according to the information provided, creating another potential destination for the former Villa player should he leave Manchester City.
City are therefore considering a number of possibilities as they attempt to strengthen their attack while also finding a deal that satisfies Everton.
Ndiaye’s situation has gained greater importance following the departures of several attacking players from City’s squad. The club now views the Senegalese forward as a priority target as it seeks to reinforce its attacking options.
The forward has already made his position clear by giving his approval to a proposed move and a contract through to 2031.
However, personal terms alone will not complete the transfer. City must still find an agreement with Everton over the player’s valuation and the structure of any deal.
The potential involvement of Grealish could prove significant because of Everton’s interest in the midfielder and the player’s reported desire to return to the club.
Manchester City are consequently weighing up whether a deal involving Grealish could help reduce the amount of money required to secure Ndiaye.
The negotiations are taking place with the transfer window approaching its final days, increasing the pressure on both clubs to reach a decision.
