Everton given Iliman Ndiaye encouragement by transfer expert as Man City circle
Iliman Ndiaye is increasingly likely to remain at Everton beyond the end of the season despite interest from rivals including Man City.
The 26-year-old has established himself as a crucial part of David Moyes’ long-term plans and they are extremely reluctant to let him leave in the near future.
With Everton in hot pursuit of a European qualification spot in the Premier League, they hope that reaching European football will be enough to keep hold of him.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton hope to deter interest from elsewhere and are confident of keeping Ndiaye.
Despite links with moves to the likes of Man City and Arsenal, the Senegal international is believed to be happy on Merseyside in a boost to Everton’s transfer plans.
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VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUBHow do Everton feel about selling Iliman Ndiaye?
Football Insider revealed in March that Everton will not entertain offers for Ndiaye and plan to block his potential exit despite the interest in his signature.
Moyes views him as a crucial part of his ambitious plans for the future, with a European place still up for grabs with three league games left to play.
| Iliman Ndiaye | Everton Stats 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 31 |
| Starts | 29 |
| Minutes Played | 2563 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 3 |
Despite growing interest from Man City among other Premier League rivals, there have been no hints that Everton would entertain offers for the forward.
“Ndiaye has done a brilliant job for Everton this season,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He’s really put a marker down, proved his worth, and proved a lot of people wrong, including me, who had questions about his level.
“Everton are in contention for a European place and a big part of that is down to what he’s brought to the side to help them push up the table.
“For that reason, they’re going to be extremely reluctant to see him go anywhere else.
“He came into the side when Everton were really lacking that sort of creative player alongside the hard-working professionals they’ve already got.
“The value of impact like he’s had cannot be overstated, and David Moyes will want to keep him around, otherwise they’re back to square one looking for a replacement.
“But given his importance to the team, I expect Ndiaye will be happy to stay where he is valued rather than going somewhere he won’t be guaranteed of a place.
“Everton are confident they can keep hold of him, he’s not out of contract or anything like that, and to be honest I have doubts about whether City would make a big offer anyway.”
Could Ndiaye make a big-money move to Man City?
Despite Everton’s confidence that they can keep hold of Ndiaye this summer, a number of interested clubs have been keeping a close eye on his performances.
A strong season in the Premier League has placed him firmly on the radar of top sides, with Man City believed to be one of the leading contenders.
Brown told Football Insider on 5 May that Man City were impressed by Ndiaye during their 3-3 draw against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Having already been aware of his talent, City were keeping a close eye on his display, and alongside other watching suitors they are said to have liked what they saw.
This comes amid suggestions that Pep Guardiola could oversee another overhaul of his squad this summer, with targets eyed in multiple positions.
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