Iliman Ndiaye wants to play in the Premier League next season.
That’s according to Foot Mercato, who have reported that a move to Marseille is on the verge of collapsing after the Sheffield United man ‘changed his mind’ about joining the French club.
Ndiaye quickly appeared on Everton’s radar after he bagged an impressive 24 goal contributions in the Championship last season as the Blades won automatic promotion.
The 23-year-old is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Bramall Lane and is expected to leave the club this summer, while it was previously thought that he would return to Marseille where he spent time in their academy.
However, the report claims that Ndiaye has now decided that he would prefer to stay in England as his family are happy here.
This is big news for Everton, who have been keeping a keen eye on the forward over the last few months. The Toffees reportedly had a £25 million bid rejected for Ndiaye back in January, however they could land him in a bargain deal now due to his contract situation.
While Marseille remain in talks with Ndiaye over a potential move, Everton may have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of the Senegal international.
Iliman Ndiaye could be the perfect bargain signing for Everton
Iliman Ndiaye was sensational for Sheffield United last season and they could now be regretting not taking the £25m for him six months ago.
Sheffield United coach, Jack Lester, has previously declared his love for the player, saying: “He does things you can’t coach. He’s so natural, the way he deals with the ball. Beautifully balanced and poised.
“He’s a lovely lad, always smiling. Very popular. Fearless, a tough kid. Strong on the ball and not nice to play against.”
Ndiaye clearly has all the potential, the key attributes and the goalscoring record to be a brilliant signing for Everton – while the Blades are likely to have to sell him for around half of what they could have got in January if they are to avoid him leaving for free next summer.
Well done