Manchester United are facing a fierce transfer battle with their Premier League rivals to sign Iliman Ndiaye, with Everton set to demand a lower price than previously expected, according to the latest...
Manchester United are facing a fierce transfer battle with their Premier League rivals to sign Iliman Ndiaye, with Everton set to demand a lower price than previously expected, according to the latest report.
Rebalancing the attack
Ndiaye has emerged as a key target for the Red Devils as plans for the summer transfer window begin to solidify.
The departure of Ruben Amorim – along with his wing-back system – has reignited the need for a new left winger, after four left Old Trafford last summer at the Portuguese coach’s request.
Michael Carrick has transitioned towards a 4-2-3-1 formation since taking the reins as caretaker until the end of the campaign. A permanent decision on the long-term successor to Amorim will then be made over the summer, when the pool of prospective candidates will grow.
However, INEOS are understood to be intent on sticking with a system that employs a back four and two natural wingers, regardless of who is in the dugout next season.
The right side is well-stocked with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad both excellent options. However, the left lacks a standout winger, as Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha are both better deployed in different areas.
United’s failed pursuit of Antoine Semenyo in the January window highlighted the profile the club want – a winger with speed, strength and skill, who is capable of playing on either flank to match the versatile attacking unit they will be joining.
RB Leipzig starlet Yan Diomande has established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in Europe after a scintillating season in the Bundesliga.
United are tracking the Ivory Coast international, who played alongside Amad at the Africa Cup of Nations. But they are joined by elite clubs across the continent, including Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, with Leipzig expected to demand up to €100m for the 19-year-old winger.
Ndiaye is a cheaper alternative offering a similar skillset, with the added bonus of Premier League experience after 18 months of superb form for Everton.
Red-hot race
The Senegal international won AFCON last month and was one of his country’s standout stars, building on a strong season on Merseyside.
He is an incredible dribbler with devastating acceleration, comfortable playing on either wing. His work-rate is also outstanding, as you would expect for any player in a team managed by David Moyes.
A pursuit of Ndiaye would mirror United’s deals for Mbeumo and Cunha last summer, which have proven a great success this season. However, Caught Offside reports Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are all also “monitoring the 25-year-old closely” as the London clubs plot a summer raid.
“Ndiaye’s appeal lies in his versatility and directness. Comfortable operating on either flank or in more central attacking roles, he offers pace, creativity, and an eye for goal. Chelsea and Arsenal see him as someone who could add unpredictability and depth to their attacking rotations. Tottenham’s interest is also driven by his ability to carry the ball at speed and operate effectively in transition.”
Ndiaye responded to links to Old Trafford by revealing: “If clubs like Manchester United are interested, it means I’m doing something right.” But he also reiterated his focus remains on Everton and helping push his side towards European qualification at the end of the season.
The Toffees were initially understood to be demanding a fee in the region of £75m for their talismanic winger.
However, Caught Offside reveals sources close to the situation indicate £55-65m will be sufficient to “open discussions” – a price more in line with United’s budget this summer, but one that will further embolden their rivals as well.
Final Thoughts
A £65m move for Ndiaye would deliver yet another Premier League-proven attacker to the Theatre of Dreams; one who would offer a perfect complement to the existing cohort.
United’s need for a new left winger is also a bigger priority than at the Emirates or Stamford Bridge, while Tottenham Hotspur offer no threat to the Red Devils should it come to a straight shooting match.
This strengthens INEOS’s position as they will be prepared to move more aggressively than their competitors when the summer window opens on 1 July.
Featured image AJ Reynolds via Getty Images
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Category: General Sports
