Manchester City are interested in a move for Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye. The potential deal could involve Jack Grealish moving in the opposite direction.
Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton, where he made 22 appearances before a foot injury in January ended his campaign. His contract at City expires next summer. Everton manager David Moyes is understood to be keen on extending the 30-year-old's stay. The club has also received a separate loan offer for Grealish from Sunderland, a proposal which would see City cover part of his wages and include an option for a permanent move next summer. Everton are weighing up both proposals.
Ndiaye, a 26-year-old Senegal international, was a key player for Everton last season, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 34 Premier League appearances. He has started both of Everton's matches this season. The forward declined multiple contract offers last term despite having three years left on his deal, and Everton have anticipated interest from Champions League clubs. Club sources maintain that Ndiaye has behaved professionally throughout the summer. His current deal at Goodison Park runs until 2027.
City's attacking options have seen significant change this summer. Winger Savio has joined Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth up to £85 million, while forward Omar Marmoush has agreed a loan move to the same club. This has created a need for reinforcements in the final third ahead of the transfer deadline. Manager Pep Guardiola is known to be an admirer of Ndiaye's versatility and work ethic.
From a City perspective, a move for Ndiaye could be facilitated by Grealish's potential return to Everton, which is seen as a strong bargaining chip. The complication is that Grealish has attracted interest from other clubs. Ndiaye is viewed as a solid, Premier League-proven signing who, at 26, could contribute immediately during a period of squad turnover. He is noted for his creativity, confidence, and noticeable defensive work rate. City scouts have monitored his progress for over a year.
Grealish has featured as a substitute in both of City's matches so far this season, coming on in the second half of the Community Shield loss to Arsenal and the 2-1 Premier League win over Bournemouth. The club continues to work on its squad composition ahead of a busy period of fixtures. Any deal for Ndiaye would need to be completed before next week's transfer deadline. Negotiations between the clubs are expected to intensify in the coming days.
