Everton have a number of players who the traditional ‘Big Six’ admire.
Manchester United watched James Garner as the Everton No.37 negotiated his new contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, sensing an opportunity to sign the midfielder for a bargain before an extension was penned.
Liverpool and Chelsea also like Jarrad Branthwaite – who Tottenham looked at last summer too.
Now – according to TEAMtalk – Manchester United are plotting a move for Iliman Ndiaye after he won the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
What concerns do you have about Iliman Ndiaye leaving Everton in the summer?😫
Surely Everton must hand him a new contract!
David Moyes on Iliman Ndiaye's Everton future.
Credit: Getty Images/Dan Istitene.
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Manchester United want Iliman Ndiaye
Dean Jones now claims that the Red Devils are expected to make a move for the Senegal international this summer, as his star continues to rise.
As aforesaid, Ndiaye just became a champion of Africa, adding further gloss to an impressive 2025/26 campaign which has seen the Everton No.10 net four goals and assist a further two in 17 Premier League appearances.
TEAMtalk state Manchester United view the 25-year-old as an ideal fit for their attack, which has already been boosted in recent times by the addition of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo from Wolves and Brentford respectively.
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Those at Old Trafford believe this particular transfer approach – raising the supposed smaller clubs – is working, and feel Ndiaye would be able to replicate the success of the aforementioned duo.
However, Michael Carrick is told that a deal will be expensive seeing as the Senegalese star is contracted to Everton until July 2029 – and could potentially cost as much as the £75m it took for Manchester United to sign Romelu Lukaku from the Toffees in July 2017.
Everton could use Iliman Ndiaye interest to aid Harry Maguire pursuit
Ideally, Everton keep Ndiaye – who arrived in a £16.9m move from Marseille back in July 2024 – for the duration of his contract.
However, if the situation becomes difficult and Manchester United manage to convince the attacking midfielder to leave Merseyside, the Toffees could still benefit by using interest as a tool to land Harry Maguire.
Everton considering a summer move for Harry Maguire, thoughts? 👀
Everton target Harry Maguire
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The Daily Briefing recently claimed that Everton want Maguire this summer, as he prepares to become a free agent in July.
Of course, the Red Devils would have no control over his future by that stage unless a contract extension is agreed, but The Friedkin Group could tell Manchester United they need to convince Maguire over a move to Merseyside before agreeing to entertain any exit for Ndiaye, just to make negotiations all the more interesting.
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