Manchester United have been eyeing Everton's Iliman Ndiaye since last season, but have now suffered a huge blow as a £51 million bid is being readied. Michael Carrick's side have to decide their priorities.
Should Man Utd sign a new left-winger this summer?
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Manchester United have been strongly linked with left-wingers this summer, although the pursuit of one has had to wait until after the midfield rebuild had begun.
The first through the door was Andrey Santos from Chelsea. The Brazilian moved to Old Trafford for £48 million, plus £2 million in add-ons, and has impressed in pre-season against Wrexham, Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid.
Youri Tielemans soon followed Santos to Carrington. By that time, United had already added Karl Darlow to their squad, who joined on a free after leaving Leeds United at the end of last season.
Tielemans is yet to feature for United after his £35 million move, but could be involved against Paris Saint-Germain next weekend, alongside Senne Lammens, now that they have returned from Belgium duty.
As for the left-wing signing, Marcus Rashford seems to have put a stop to matters for the time being. Barcelona chose not to activate their £26 million buy option, and the £40 million release clause – which did not apply to Liverpool or Manchester City – has also expired.
Everton's Iliman Ndiaye has been a Manchester United target in the past. In March, Roundtable revealed that Ndiaye was high on United's shortlist in that position, but he has received interest from Saudi Arabia more recently.
Man Utd suffer Ndiaye blow
According to Caught Offside, Everton will only consider bids worth £64 million for the Senegal international, which seems higher than United are willing to go.
The report states that Al Hilal are in a "better position" to pay both the transfer fee and Ndiaye's wages if the transfer were completed.
The Saudi Arabian side are currently readying a £51 million bid, but Everton consider that well below their demands.
Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur all remain interested in Ndiaye, which could see United focus on other targets, or even other positions.
Roundtable have exclusively reported that United are planning talks with Newcastle United for Lewis Hall. He is the clear first-choice target at left-back, and talks with his camp have already taken place.
Struggling for minutes at Old Trafford, the Dutch forward eyes a Serie A return as Manchester United considers a creative trade to bolster their squad depth.roundtable.ioJoshua Zirkzee Says Yes To Juventus Move As Swap Deal Option Emerges
Struggling for minutes at Old Trafford, the Dutch forward eyes a Serie A return as Manchester United considers a creative trade to bolster their squad depth.
Man Utd must decide their priorities
Adding Ndiaye or Hall to Michael Carrick's squad before the end of the transfer window would be a boost to United next season. But the Red Devils must decide their priorities.
Luke Shaw started every match of the Premier League last term, but is unlikely to manage the same feat next season, with Champions League football to play, too.
Patrick Dorgu could feature in that role, but he has played all of pre-season as a left-sided attacker.
Matheus Cunha and Marcus Rashford are yet to return from their post-World Cup holidays, but they could force Dorgu to the bench when they do.
If Dorgu is to remain in the frontline, Harry Amass would be the next in line at left-back, but it seems his future will not be at Old Trafford.