Everton told to pull out the stops to make Iliman Ndiaye 'happy' after 'massive news'
Iliman Ndiaye will eventually move to the Saudi Pro League but Everton must ensure that he is kept happy to keep him on Merseyside until then.
That is the opinion of former senior Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The 26-year-old had been of significant interest to Al Hilal this summer, but has ultimately decided to stay.
Ndiaye would prefer a move to another Premier League club if one were to materialise, but Everton are expected to demand huge money.
The winger has three years left on his contract, with talks over any new deal having hit an impasse.
Next summer will be the one in which Everton will have to pay serious consideration to the Senegal international's contract situation, with a sale possible.
Iliman Ndiaye transfer decision is 'sensible'
It can be rather rare for a player to turn down a move to the Saudi Pro League, considering the overwhelming money on offer.
While any football in the Premier League will certainly not earn a pittance, players can often see their wages doubled or even tripled with a move to the Middle East.
But Ndiaye is clearly still focused on sporting achievement rather than monetary gain, and Everton will be over the moon.
"Massive, massive, massive. Sensible. Listen, he's going to go to Saudi Arabia at some stage and he'll earn his big money," King told Football Insider.
"He's still young enough for that. I've said this the last two years, he's been Everton's best player. He's a player who you'd pay to watch. But it seems funny that several years ago he was playing for Boreham Wood. He was playing in the National League!
"Amazing. Absolutely amazing. They must have a good scouting system at Boreham Wood. For me, if I was Everton, I'd put everything, because if you're going to bring a player in that quality, he's going to cost you £50million.
"So concentrate on putting your money on and giving him a contract which, you know, if he's going to be there one more year or two more years, make sure he's happy that way, for him and his family.
"He's their main player. When he's playing, he's the player for Everton. He might not work that hard, but by Christ, when he gets the ball to his feet, he's very clever. He creates chances. He scores goals. Very difficult to replace, isn't it?"
Could Arsenal make a late move for Ndiaye?
Of all Premier League sides, Arsenal currently look to be the best placed to make a move for Ndiaye.
The Gunners need a signing on the left and are expected to sell Gabriel Martinelli in the final days of the window.
Ndiaye would undoubtedly be tempted by the prospective move to the Premier League champions, but it remains to be seen just how much Everton would demand.
Dominos still must fall into place before any such move goes ahead, however.