Tottenham set sights on deal to sign Iliman Ndiaye amid Everton contract stand-off
Tottenham Hotspur are plotting an ambitious move to sign Iliman Ndiaye as negotiations over a new Everton contract continue to stall.
The 26-year-old is eyeing a move away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium after turning down multiple offers to extend his stay, placing a number of top clubs on high alert.
Spurs have been long-term admirers of the Senegal international, and could now be tempted to accelerate a move as part of their ambitious transfer plans.
Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Roberto De Zerbi is determiened to stregnthen his squad and has now set his sights on Ndiaye.
The Everton star is seen as an upgrade on some of his current attacking options and would bring more flair and creativity to the front line.
However, there are concerns about whether Spurs would be able to beat off rivals in their pursuit given their lack of European football after a disappointing season.
Could Tottenham complete a deal for Iliman Ndiaye?
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider earlier this season that Tottenham are interested in signing Ndiaye, although the Toffees have been unwilling to sell.
De Zerbi is now overseeing major changes to his squad, with bids already made to sign Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, and Savinho also in their sights.
Alongside the Brazil winger, however, Spurs are also targeting Ndiaye and believe he could be the answer to their concerns about atat
"Tottenham have been fans of Ndiaye for a while now," Brown told Football Insider.
"So the news that he's turned down contract extensions at Everton will place them on alert, I'm sure, and give them confidence a deal could be done.
"It's going to be a difficult summer for Tottenham without European football, but they still have the ability to lure players in.
"De Zerbi has assessed his squad now and he knows what positions he wants to improve, and from what I'm told, the addition of a new winger could be key.
"Look at their current squad, they're losing Randal Kolo Muani, Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski have had serious injuries, Mathys Tel is hit and miss.
"Ndiaye would be a real upgrade on all of those players, plus he's proven now he can be consistent and perform will in the Premier League.
"It's certainly something Spurs could look to explore if he becomes available, I would expect they will be among a number of clubs looking at that one."
How do Everton feel about losing Ndiaye?
Tottenham are far from the only club interested in signing Ndiaye this summer, with the Everton winger's contract snubs setting a number of suitors on alert.
However, despite failing to agree terms over a contract extension, Everton remain confident of keeping their best player at the club beyond the summer window.
Brown told Football Insider last month that Everton believe they can keep Ndiaye despite interest from clubs including Man City as he remains key to their plans.
Moyes views him as a crucial part of his ambitious plans for the future, with hopes of qualifying for a European place next year after narrowly missing out this season.
Despite growing interest from Man City among other Premier League rivals, there have been no hints that Everton would entertain offers for the forward.