Manchester City have made a late move to sign Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye from Everton, with the Premier League champions reaching an agreement in principle for the forward just one day before the summer transfer window closes.
According to The Athletic, Manchester City turned their attention to Ndiaye after failing in their attempt to sign Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo.
The champions have now reached an agreement in principle with Everton for the 26-year-old, with the proposed package potentially reaching €75.8 million when add-ons are included.
The deal would represent another major investment from Manchester City and take their spending on new players during the summer window to around €387 million.
Ndiaye had been widely expected to leave Everton before the transfer deadline after reportedly rejecting several attempts by the club to extend his contract beyond June 2029.
Tottenham had previously emerged as one of the leading candidates for his signature. Spurs were reportedly prepared to include Richarlison in a deal that would have seen the Brazilian return to Everton, having left the Merseyside club for Tottenham in 2022.
However, that proposal was complicated after Richarlison publicly indicated that he was not prepared to be forced into a move.
Manchester City have now seemingly taken advantage of the uncertainty surrounding Ndiaye’s future and moved ahead of Tottenham in the race.
The Senegal international has become an important attacking player for Everton since joining the club and his versatility has made him an attractive option for City as they look to strengthen their squad.
Ndiaye’s current contract with Everton runs until June 2029, but his reported reluctance to sign an extension has increased speculation over his future.
A move to Manchester City would give Ndiaye the opportunity to remain in the Premier League while joining a club competing regularly for domestic and European honours.
For Everton, however, the late development could force the club to find a replacement before the transfer window closes if the agreement with City is formally completed.
The proposed €75.8m package would also represent a significant financial return for Everton and could make Ndiaye one of the most expensive departures of the summer.
With only one day remaining before the transfer window shuts, Manchester City now appear to have moved to the front of the queue, leaving Tottenham facing the possibility of missing out on the Senegal forward.
The transfer is not yet officially completed, but an agreement in principle has been reached and Ndiaye’s future could be decided in the final hours of the window.
