Everton face Iliman Ndiaye interest after development ‘slipped under the radar’
Iliman Ndiaye’s performances at the African Cup of Nations could heighten interest in the Everton star in the transfer market.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes Ndiaye could be a star player at the tournament.
Liverpool are plotting a shock move for Ndiaye, who has been one of Everton‘s best performers under David Moyes.
Tottenham are also interested in Ndiaye, who has four goals and one assist in 14 Premier League appearances this campaign.
Iliman Ndiaye ‘very happy’ at Everton
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – is backing Ndiaye to stay at the club.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes the 25-year-old will not be tempted to leave the Toffees.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Well, what sort of slipped under the radar, and I was a bit surprised about this, was his performances for Senegal in the qualifying for the African Nations Cup. He scored a couple of worldly goals that were absolutely incredible.
“They didn’t quite get the coverage I thought they might have done. And I think, again, he could well be one of the top players in that tournament. And if they progress far, then I think there is going to be a lot of interest. But I just don’t see it happening.
“I think personally he’s happy. Everton are able to meet sensible wage demands and I think he can see where the project is going. He’s obviously very happy the way he’s playing. It does suit him the way that Everton is set up.
“So I don’t expect him to be really tempted away. But, of course we all know the big money will talk, but I think he’s actually got his head on his shoulders and I think he understands he’s at the right place right now.
“And I don’t expect, although there’ll be talk and there’ll be even more talk if he does well in the Nations Cup, then I still expect him to be at Everton longer term.”
Everton duo set to miss six Premier League games
Ndiaye will depart with Senegal to the African Cup of Nations alongside Everton teammate Idrissa Gueye, with the tournament starting on December 21st.
The tournament ends on January 18th, with Senegal among the favourites to win the competition.
The Everton pair could miss up to six Premier League matches, in a blow to Moyes’ hopes of landing a top half finish come the end of the season.