By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

17th Mar, 2023 | 7:00am

Sources: Newcastle send scouts to watch Championship star Ndiaye in surprise twist

Newcastle United are among the clubs to send scouts to watch Sheffield United star Iliman Ndiaye ahead of a potential summer move, sources have told Football Insider.

Sources told this site on Monday (13 March) that Everton remain interested in the 23-year-old after failing with a January bid.

But top four challengers Newcastle and Europa Conference League contenders West Ham have watched Ndiaye regularly in the Championship and have been impressed with his performances.

A potential deal for the Senegal international would be a surprise for the Magpies considering they haven’t signed a Championship player since the Saudi-backed takeover of the club in 2021.

But talent-spotters feel Ndiaye would fit the profile of player suited to Eddie Howe as the mega-rich club search for attacking reinforcements.

The forward’s versatility is also seen as a major asset to top-flight sides after his impressive performances in a number of attacking roles.

Sheffield United want to keep the 23-year-old at Bramall Lane by tying him down to a new contract – as his current deal is set to expire in less than 18 months’ time.

But talks have been held up due to uncertainty over automatic promotion and a potential takeover of the club.

The Blades have won just one of their last five Championship games and their lead over third-place Middlesbrough now stands at just four points.

They are confident of tying Ndiaye down to a new deal in the event of promotion, but it is believed the Yorkshire side could be forced to accept a bid as low as £10-15million if a new contract cannot be agreed.

Ndiaye has notched 12 goals and eight assists across 40 appearances in all competitions as a regular starter this term.

In other news, Football Insider updates as Liverpool and Newcastle race for Argentinian talent amid £20m offer reveal.