Iliman Ndiaye 'wants to leave Everton' after 'huge' wages offered

Iliman Ndiaye is now keen to complete a move away from Everton after he and his representatives were approached by Al Hilal.

The 26-year-old is being offered a "huge" wage by the Saudi Pro League outfit, and is now keen to be allowed to discuss formal terms over a move away from Everton.

Any deal for the Senegal international will first have to be agreed by the Toffees, who are extremely reluctant to lose an important player, but could be pushed to let him go.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that there have been long-term concerns that Ndiaye always viewed Everton as a stepping stone.

David Moyes still views the attacking midfielder as an important part of his plans for the future, but there is a growing feeling he could look to move on before too long.

Al Hilal's approach to Ndiaye is now expected to cause issues for Everton, and with the player having opened the door to the move, much will depend on the fee offered.

Will Iliman Ndiaye leave Everton this summer?

Brown warned Football Insider last month that Ndiaye could push to leave Everton this summer, with his agent already in talks with clubs to drum up interest.

Those talks have now kickstarted discussions with Al Hilal, with the Saudi Pro League club willing to spend big to land their key targets this summer.

Everton remain reluctant to see their star player move on, and will do what they can to keep him around, but may now find it difficult after Ndiaye had his head turned.

"This is a concern I have had about Ndiaye since he first moved to Everton," Brown told Football Insider.

"It always appeared that he was looking at Everton as a bit of a stepping stone, to get back into the Premier League and then assess his options.

"I'm sure I'm not the only one who was aware of that, the club would surely have expected it as well, so unfortunately this latest bit of news doesn't come as a surprise.

"Now, his agent has been speaking to different clubs and he's come up with this Saudi interest, and it seems like he wants to make that move.

"It's going to be hard for him to turn down that move, because there is going to be huge money on the table for him in Saudi Arabia.

"Obviously, Everton don't want to lose one of their best players, but they might not have a choice now because he wants to leave and he could push to make it happen.

"Especially now that talks have already taken place with Ndiaye and his agent, there will be pressure on Everton to do a deal."

How do Everton feel about selling Ndiaye?

Ndiaye has established himself as a crucial player in Moyes' side, particularly over the last season where his performances have been key to their success.

The Toffees had hoped to offer him and improved and extended contract as a result, but failed to make progress in talks as the player eyed a move away.

Football Insider revealed last month that Everton are not overly concerned about Ndiaye, despite contract talks stalling, and hoped to keep hold of him this summer.

However, with Al Hilal having now joined the race for his signature and with the player and his agent keen on the move, they may be forced to change their stance.

His head was initially believed to have been turned by interest from the likes of Arsenal and Man City, but given the money involved in a move to the Middle East, that is now his likely destination.