Manchester City's reported interest in Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye has unsettled Toffees manager David Moyes with the summer transfer deadline looming this Tuesday. City have not yet made a formal bid for the player, who has three years left on his current deal at Goodison Park.
Ndiaye turned down several contract extension offers from Everton last season because they did not include a release clause for a Champions League club. This detail adds a significant layer to City's potential pursuit. Moyes made his feelings clear, stating, "I’m certainly not encouraging a bid. I’m not encouraging that in a million years." He also expressed concern about the timing, saying, "I think it would be very difficult to get it reinvested if anything came in, we are getting into a really late period now."
The transfer dynamic is complicated by Everton's continued interest in signing Jack Grealish from Manchester City. Grealish spent the previous season on loan at Hill Dickinson Stadium and is now believed most likely to rejoin Everton. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris, whose side finished seventh last term, declined to comment on his club's own attempt to sign Grealish on loan. This creates a potential multi-club negotiation as the window enters its final days.
Manchester City have already completed one significant outgoing deal this week, with Spaniard Nico González joining Newcastle United. The 24-year-old's transfer fee could eventually rise to £52 million. Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle described González as a smart player with huge potential, and he could make his debut for the Magpies on Saturday at Tottenham. This sale represents a major piece of business for City as they manage their squad.
Pep Guardiola's side enters this period of transfer speculation from a position of strength on the pitch. Manchester City currently sit first in the Premier League with a perfect record of six points from two wins. They have scored six goals and conceded only two, giving them a +4 goal difference and a three-point lead over Brighton. The team's form is impressive, though they are currently without winger Jérémy Doku.
The final days of the window will be decisive. For Manchester City, the focus is on whether they formalize their interest in Iliman Ndiaye with a bid that tests Everton's resolve. Any move would need to be swift, with the deadline falling on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the potential departure of Jack Grealish, whether to Everton or elsewhere, remains a subplot to watch. The club's strong league start, provides a stable foundation, but activity in the market could further shape their squad for the season ahead.
