Aston Villa have made contact with Everton over Iliman Ndiaye, adding competition to Manchester United’s long-standing interest in the forward.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed the approach. United’s move remains stalled, though — as ReadEverton reported earlier this week, Michael Carrick’s side won’t proceed until Marcus Rashford’s future at Old Trafford is settled.
Villa, unfortunately for the Toffees, have no such complication.
Their need is clear. Unai Emery’s side have sold Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for £117m, leaving a gap that Ndiaye fits perfectly.
Everton’s price is understood to be around £70m. That reflects his standing at the Hill Dickinson and a strong World Cup with Senegal — one goal, two assists in three appearances before their last-32 exit.
His Premier League numbers were solid rather than spectacular: six goals, three assists in 32 appearances. They don’t tell the full story. Moyes’ side relies on his ball-carrying and his ability to hold the ball under pressure.
Contract talks have stalled too. Ndiaye wants a release clause written in; Everton have resisted. That stand-off will only intensify interest as the window goes on.
Everton’s position hasn’t changed. Any sale needs to meet their valuation. With Villa now formally involved alongside United, that valuation is about to be tested.
However, another potential new signing is coming out of Everton news this morning, with the club looking to sign free agent Dusan Vlahovic.
