Manchester City are progressing in talks to sign Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye. Sky Sports News reported the development on Tuesday, noting the Senegalese international is viewed as an alternative to primary target Cody Gakpo.
The Premier League leaders, who sit first with six points from two wins, are looking to add depth to their attacking options. Their strong start to the season, includes six goals scored and two conceded. Rayan Cherki leads the scoring charts with two goals in two appearances.
Ndiaye offers a different profile to other forwards on City's shortlist. The 26-year-old can operate across the front line and is known for his dribbling and creativity. His potential arrival would provide competition for places in a squad that faces a busy schedule.
Everton may be open to a deal as they look to reshape their own squad before the deadline. The report from Sky Sports indicates that negotiations are advancing, though no fee has been agreed. This suggests a move could materialise quickly if both clubs find common ground.
Pursuing Ndiaye appears to be part of a contingency plan. The original focus was reportedly on Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, but that deal has proven difficult. Shifting attention to the Everton player represents a pragmatic shift in strategy for City's recruitment team.
In a related development, Tottenham Hotspur have started talks with Chelsea about a loan for Mykhaylo Mudryk. This shows the domino effect one potential transfer can have across the league. City's own activity is being watched closely by rivals.
Pep Guardiola's system demands versatility, and Ndiaye's ability to play on either wing or as a secondary striker could be valuable. He would join an attack currently spearheaded by Cherki, but would need to compete for minutes with a deep roster of talent. The full attacking options are listed in our squad section.
Integrating a new player always presents a challenge, but City's coaching staff are adept at managing transitions. The team's early form, with two consecutive wins, provides a stable platform for any new addition. The club's primary objective remains strengthening the group for a long campaign.
The immediate next step is for the two clubs to agree on a transfer fee. Personal terms with the player are not expected to be a major hurdle once a club-to-club deal is struck. The transfer window deadline adds urgency to all negotiations.
For Manchester City, the focus then returns to the pitch. After the international break, they host Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium on September 5th. Coventry are currently 18th in the Premier League table.
