---
title: "Everton news & talking points: Ndiaye talks, Johnston pursuit & Branthwaite fitness"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/everton-news-talking-points-ndiaye-talks-johnston-pursuit-branthwaite-fitness/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2026-07-30T17:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-07-30T17:00:00Z"
---

# Everton news & talking points: Ndiaye talks, Johnston pursuit & Branthwaite fitness

**It’s been a busy old day in the [Read Everton](https://readeverton.com/) ‘newsroom’ (my tiny office), with the Blues’ summer transfer plans coming into sharper focus alongside key updates on squad fitness.**

Here is everything you need to know from today’s coverage on **ReadEverton.com**.

### **1. The Ndiaye saga: Talks ongoing with Al Hilal**

The biggest headline of the day centers around **[Iliman Ndiaye](https://readeverton.com/news/)**. Contrary to earlier reports suggesting a £64m deal was already completed with a medical pending, ongoing negotiations tell a more nuanced story.

According to Sacha Tavolieri, direct club-to-club talks between Everton and Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are actively taking place. While personal terms are not expected to be a barrier for the Saudi side, the transfer fee remains unresolved. Everton continue to value the forward at around **£69m–£70m**, and no official bid has been accepted yet.

### **2. Everton close in on Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston**

David Moyes’ search for long-term right-back options has accelerated. Everton are leading the race ahead of Fulham and Ipswich to sign Celtic’s **[Alistair Johnston](https://readeverton.com/2026/07/30/everton-alistair-johnston-celtic-offer/)**. The club is preparing a formal offer in excess of **£10m**, with Moyes viewing the Canadian international as an ideal successor to Seamus Coleman. The player is reportedly open to the move to the Hill Dickinson.

### **3. Working on a Jack Grealish return**

Negotiations have moved from limbo into active discussions regarding **[Jack Grealish](https://readeverton.com/2026/07/30/everton-grealish-man-city-return-talks/)**. Following his loan spell, Everton are keen on retaining the winger, but [Manchester City](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cdx8kx5941no) are reluctant to agree to another simple loan and would prefer a permanent arrangement. Talks remain active as both clubs look to reach a middle ground.

### **4. Branthwaite absence clarified & fitness latest**

Supporters raised eyebrows after **[Jarrad Branthwaite](https://readeverton.com/2026/07/30/everton-explain-branthwaite-absence-for-stoke-friendly/)** was left out of the squad entirely for Tuesday’s friendly against Stoke City. However, the club confirmed today that his omission was a planned part of his reintegration schedule following his earlier pre-season minutes against Bolton, rather than a fresh injury setback. He is expected to feature against Hamburger SV.

### **5. On this day: Romelu Lukaku signs permanently**

Rounding off today’s news, we marked the 12-year anniversary of **[Romelu Lukaku](https://readeverton.com/2026/07/30/everton-lukaku-permanent-signing-anniversary/)** making his move to Goodison Park permanent in 2014, looking back at his memorable goalscoring legacy in Everton blue.