'Huge': Everton make new Iliman Ndiaye transfer plan after Arsenal twist
Everton are resistant to losing Iliman Ndiaye this summer and would only accept a "huge offer" from the likes of Arsenal.
The 26-year-old has become a key part of David Moyes' plans and has scored five goals and provided three assists in 23 Premier League games this season.
His performances have played a crucial role in the Toffees rising to eighth in the table, with European football becoming a serious possibility on Merseyside.
As a result, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that it would take a "huge" offer for Everton to entertain talks about Ndiaye.
Moyes hopes to be ambitious at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with intent to strengthen his side rather than weaken it as Everton step up their transfer plans.
Arsenal dealt blow in pursuit of Iliman Ndiaye
Arsenal are not the only contenders for the Everton star, as Football Insider previously revealed Tottenham are interested in signing Ndiaye this summer.
However, Everton have no plans to entertain talks about his departure and hope he will remain a crucial part of Moyes' plans beyond the summer window.
"Ndiaye has become a very important player for Everton," Brown told Football Insider.
"He's a real asset to Everton because they needed a player like him, they didn't have an outlet who can get on the ball and drag them up the pitch.
"He can produce things in tight spaces, draw fouls and give you a bit of excitement going forward, and that's something they were lacking.
"Moyes realised that and that's why he brought him in, and there are no plans now to let him go.
"He's such a valuable player in that side and if they let him go, they won't find it easy to go out and find a better player to replace him.
"I think it would take a huge offer for Everton to even consider it, whether it's from Arsenal or whoever, and even then I think they'd be reluctant to let him go, he's that important."
Everton make Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall plan
Alongside their plans to keep Ndiaye at the club beyond the summer transfer window, Everton are also hopeful of holding on to other key players.
The likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have attracted interest with their impressive performances so far this season, with Premier League rivals keeping tabs.
However, Football Insider revealed last month that Everton will block any offers for Dewsbury-Hall and have no plans to let him leave at any price.
Everton are planning to make progress beyond the end of this campaign and have made their stance clear that the 27-year-old will not be sold.
Tottenham are among the clubs linked with a move for Dewsbury-Hall, but they will be forced to look elsewhere as they plan improvements to their side.