Manchester City are exploring alternatives after Liverpool rejected their £80m bid for Cody Gakpo. The 27-year-old is now expected to remain at Anfield.
Liverpool were willing to sell Gakpo if they could sign a replacement, having completed the £123m signing of Bradley Barcola from PSG.
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However, their pursuit of Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr has proved difficult due to their valuations.
Liverpool are now expected to keep Gakpo unless they can sign another winger before Tuesday’s deadline. Man City are interested in Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye and could now turn their attention to the 26-year-old.
According to The Times, City are trying to hijack Tottenham Hotspur’s £60m move for Ndiaye. Ndiaye had been expected to join Spurs, but City’s interest could see them make a move for the Senegal international.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also reports that Manchester City are advancing in talks for Ndiaye, with Jack Grealish potentially joining Everton in a separate deal.
City are currently ahead of Tottenham, who asked about Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk on loan today. Everton are open to selling Ndiaye after he rejected multiple contract offers and held talks with Saudi club Al-Hilal earlier this summer.
Meanwhile, Everton have agreed a deal in principle to re-sign Richarlison after he told Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi several times that he wants to leave. “Richarlison, he’s said too many times he wants to leave,” De Zerbi said.
The Senegal international started Everton’s first three games of the season, providing an assist in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. Ndiaye joined Everton from Marseille in 2024 for £15m and has scored 17 goals with four assists in 73 appearances.
Manchester City have already sold Savio (Savinho) and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham this summer. Ndiaye is Everton’s key creative outlet, capable of winning one-on-one battles, creating chances and producing moments of brilliance.
His chemistry with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was a major factor in the club’s early-season success. Everton have been preparing for Ndiaye’s departure after he rejected multiple contract offers. The arrival of Tyrique George on the left wing could help replace some of his attacking output.
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