Some transfers arrive at exactly the right moment.
A player who has proven himself at every level, and is suddenly attracting the attention of clubs operating several rungs above.
Iliman Ndiaye has spent two seasons doing exactly that at Everton.
And now, Manchester City want him.
Manchester City targeting Iliman Ndiaye as Enzo Maresca’s hit list takes shape ahead of Etihad rebuild
According to Alan Nixon, Manchester City are considering a move for Everton’s Ndiaye this summer, with the 26-year-old Senegal international on their “hit list” as Hugo Viana and incoming manager Enzo Maresca begin shaping the squad for the post-Guardiola era.
The appeal is straightforward.
Ndiaye offers the kind of versatility that Manchester City have always prized.
Cpable of operating across both flanks and through the middle as an attacking midfielder, with the unpredictability to cause problems in tight spaces at the highest level.
His Premier League record across two seasons at Everton backs up the interest entirely.
Nine goal contributions in his debut season.
A consistent attacking presence in his second.
With an ability to carry the ball in wide areas and arrive late into the box that has made him one of the most exciting attackers outside of the traditional top six.
The obstacle is Everton’s valuation.
The club are demanding around £70 million for a player under contract until 2029.
That figure has the potential to become a dealbreaker.
Nixon’s report also notes that any potential move may depend on how City handle the Omar Marmoush situation.
With the Egyptian’s future at the Etihad still unresolved, the squad depth in attacking areas needs clarity before any new addition can be properly justified.
Contract talks between Ndiaye and Everton have also stalled.
The player has reportedly turned down multiple extension offers over a disagreement about inserting a release clause.
For Everton, this is as uncomfortable a position as it gets.
They know what they have.
And they know that losing Ndiaye without the right reinvestment would leave a void that would be very hard to fill.
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