Everton join transfer race for Marseille outcast Iliman Ndiaye

Everton have expressed an interest in signing Marseille outcast Iliman Ndiaye in the upcoming January transfer window.

Iliman Ndiaye, 23, made a name for himself at Sheffield United and was a vital part of Paul Heckingbottom’s side that clinched promotion to the Premier League last season. He enjoyed a highly productive 2022/23 campaign in the Championship, bagging 14 goals and 10 assists in 46 appearances.

However, with Sheffield United owner Prince Abdullah working in the interests of the club from a financial point of view, the Senegalese striker was sold to Marseille for a fee of £ 20 million in the summer. But he has only started nine Ligue 1 games and scored a goal for Marseille, who could be ready to cut their losses next month.

Everton are reportedly keeping tabs on Ndiaye’s situation at Stade Velodrome, but Premier League rivals Sheffield United and Crystal Palace also remain keen.

Everton revive interest in Iliman Ndiaye

It is understood that Everton boss Sean Dyche would like to boost his attacking department in the winter transfer window, providing competition for the likes of Beto, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dwight McNeil, Youssef Chermiti and Jack Harrison. The Toffees have netted only 22 goals in 17 Premier League games, with midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure their top scorer with six goals.

This stresses the need for a clinical goalscorer to help Everton improve their potency in attack. The Merseyside club scouted Iliman Ndiaye many times in Sheffield United colours last season and it looks like they have reignited their interest in him.

Ndiaye found the back of the net 22 times in 88 appearances for The Blades before leaving for Marseille earlier this year. Having failed to nail down a regular spot in Gennaro Gattuso’s first XI, Marseille are supposedly willing to let the Senegal international leave on a temporary deal for the second half of the season, attracting Everton’s attention as a result.

The 23-year-old can operate as a central striker, out wide or in the No.10 role, and that versatility makes him an attractive proposition for Everton. Ndiaye is known to be fast and would certainly add spice to the Everton front line in that regard. In addition, he would also provide some quality depth to the Toffees’ attacking unit.

Everton are embroiled in a relegation battle having been deducted 10 points for breaching FFP rules but their incredible form of late have taken them to 16th in the table. Nonetheless, Sean Dyche wants to improve his team but he needs to be sure before making the final decision because there’s little room for error if the club get this deal wrong.