Manchester City Step Up Interest in Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye as Liverpool and Tottenham Circle
Manchester City have reportedly intensified their pursuit of Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye, as Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the January transfer window. The move comes at a crucial moment for the champions, whose lack of depth in the final third has been exposed despite Erling Haaland’s remarkable form this season.
Haaland has once again dominated headlines with an astonishing tally of 14 goals in 13 Premier League appearances—32 in all competitions. Yet, beyond the Norwegian superstar, City’s attacking support has been unexpectedly thin. Before Phil Foden’s vital brace against Leeds, the club’s second-highest Premier League scorer was Burnley defender Esteve—responsible only because of two own goals earlier in the campaign. This statistic alone highlights City’s growing dependence on Haaland, reinforcing the need for reinforcements.
Alongside their interest in Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo—who has a £65 million release clause—Manchester City now see Iliman Ndiaye as another key target to bolster their squad for the second half of the season and maintain pressure on league leaders Arsenal. According to Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness), the Premier League champions have formally enquired about the Senegal international.
However, City are not alone in the chase. Both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be considering moves for Ndiaye, whose performances have rapidly elevated his profile. The French-born attacker has been one of Everton’s brightest sparks this season, contributing four goals and one assist in 12 matches, despite being forced out of his preferred left-wing role due to the presence of City loanee Jack Grealish.
Even so, Manchester City’s recent transfer success and reputation as the dominant force in modern English football may give them the advantage should formal negotiations begin. Whether Guardiola’s side, or any of their rivals, decide to take the next step remains to be seen—but Ndiaye’s rising influence makes him one of the most watched forwards heading into the January window.
