Everton are seemingly closing in on what would be their first real acquisition of the summer, if reports are to be believed.
After all, with a bid submitted, and a player somewhat out of favour with the proposed selling club, this could be the perfect time for Sean Dyche to sweep in.
They need attacking reinforcements and additional depth, and by acquiring this powerful yet poised marksman, he could have his prayers answered.
Everton submit bid for Ligue 1 star
The latest comes courtesy of Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, who took to X to offer an update on Everton’s latest transfer venture.
Having actually submitted a bid, this is reportedly a new priority target for the Toffees, and it could make a huge impact on the squad’s attacking talent.
He writes: ‘Everton made a very interesting offer (the amount of which was not filtered) to OM for Iliman Ndiaye This is the priority in attack Toffees who have been following the Marseille striker for years
‘A year after leaving England, Ndiaye is tempted to return there. Other English clubs also interested.’
The French outfit signed the 24-year-old from Sheffield United for a mere £20m, but he has struggled to make his mark. Therefore, they could potentially let him go for a cut price.
Iliman Ndiaye would thrive alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Although speculation is rife about the future of their number nine, given Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s contract situation, to keep him at Goodison Park would mark an almighty show of faith from the striker.
And, were they to bring in Ndiaye to play alongside him, the two might strike up a fine partnership together.
After all, it is worth noting that the Senegal international thrived when he was last in England alongside another hulking striker in Ollie McBurnie.
During the 2022/23 campaign, where the Blades soared to promotion, their combination of fleet-footed silkiness and brute strength stunned the Championship.
Ndiaye would score 15 and assist a further 12 across all competitions, yet has only mustered eight goal contributions in Ligue 1 last campaign.
Not only that, but during that stellar season in Sheffield, the diminutive marksman earned huge praise from teammate Chris Basham, who claimed: ‘He’s going to be elite. He’s learning very well, his finishing is good. It can be better at times, but he’s [young].
‘He’s scoring some outrageous goals in training – the boys just buzz off how good he is. It’s great and a privilege to have him in our side.
‘I said in the Premier League, the hardest person I ever had to play against was Mane. He [Ndiaye] will be up there for sure, from the same country as well. He produces the same type of quality.’
To place him alongside Calvert-Lewin, who is a far more refined version of McBurnie, could see the Englishman unlock his true goalscoring potential, whilst allowing Ndiaye the necessary space to thrive once again in England.