Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Fabrizio Romano picked out Everton's Iliman Ndiaye as a Cody Gakpo alternative for Tottenham Hotspur while speaking on GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness.
Gakpo had been one of Spurs' top targets, but the Liverpool forward has opted to join Manchester City. It comes as a setback for Roberto De Zerbi who wanted to add the Dutchman to an attack that is crying out for more firepower.
The Lilywhites have made a nightmare start to the season, losing 3-0 to Brentford in their opener and 2-0 at home to Newcastle United on Saturday. They have yet to score a goal and despite spending heavily in the transfer market, there are still glaring issues in De Zerbi's squad.
Romano: Tottenham Could Use Swap Deal For Ndiaye
Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye in action against Liverpool
Gakpo was viewed as a multi-functional attacker who could play out on the left wing or as a centre-forward. He won't be heading to North London though, as he has chosen to join City in a deal which could be worth up to £85 million.
Romano has already hinted at Spurs' plan should they miss out on the 27-year-old, and he believes they could move for Ndiaye. He also mentioned during an appearance on GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness podcast the possibility of a swap deal:
"Iliman Ndiaye could be a possibility in case the Gakpo deal doesn't happen. He's a player who is appreciated and they could discuss also Richarlison as part of the conversations with Everton so that's an option too."
Ndiaye is one of the Premier League's most highly-regarded attacking talents and has impressed during his spell on Merseyside. He's been another name linked with most of the big six clubs, and while his reported £80m price tag might be offputting, De Zerbi's bosses could look to use Richarlison as a makeweight after missing out on Gakpo.
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Iliman Ndiaye (Premier League 2025-26)
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Everton are weighing up a big-money sale and have received a £40m offer from Nottingham Forest for rising star Harrison Armstrong. The Hill Dickinson faithful made their feelings clear over selling the 19-year-old, chanting for the higher-ups not to sell in a 1-1 draw away to Bournemouth.
Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Richarlison's future at Spurs has been in doubt throughout the summer, although he's believed to be keen on staying in England where he and his family have lived for nine years. A return to the Toffees has been mooted for quite some time given his successful spell at Goodison Park before joining the Lilywhites for £60m.
Tottenham transfer targets
Cody Gakpo - Chosen Man City
Iliman Ndiaye - Potential swap deal considered
Anatoliy Trubin - New goalkeeper option
Igor Matanovic - Still interested in Freiburg striker
Gakpo Snub Might be Blessing in Disguise
Reuters
For most Tottenham fans, Ndiaye might represent a more exciting signing than Gakpo but the pair have contrasting profiles. While the Everton star is more of a dynamic and creative attacker, the Liverpool ace's game is based more on his movement and clinical finishing abilities.
While Spurs clearly still have issues in front of goal, Ndiaye may be a better fit given Omar Marmoush's arrival from City. The Egyptian will be keen to lead the line and De Zerbi also has Dominic Solanke to turn to.
Bournemouth's Junior Kroupi had been a top target but the French striker suffered an injury during pre-season. It's believed that the North London club have decided to wait until next year to pursue a deal and that might prove beneficial if they sign Ndiaye rather than Gakpo who'd be another centre-forward option.