Manchester City launch enquiry for Everton star – Possible rival interest from Liverpool and Tottenham

The strain on Pep Guardiola’s attacking options could be eased in January as Manchester City advance interest in Everton star Iliman Ndiaye, according to reports.

Though Erling Haaland has stole the show on football’s biggest stage this season having scored 14 goals in 13 league appearances – and 32 for club and country combined – there is proven concern around Guardiola’s attacking depth.

Before Phil Foden’s brace on Saturday, which provided his side with a deserved yet strained victory over Leeds, City’s top scorer aside from Haaland in the Premier League was Burnley defender Esteve – who scored two own goals at the Etihad Stadium in September.

That statistic itself is telling of just how reliant the eight-time Premier League champions have been on the Norwegian striker, and the general consensus around these parts of the world suggest attacking back-up is much-needed.

With interest in Bournemouth frontman Antoine Semenyo, whose £65 million release clause could be triggered by Manchester City in January, further signings such as Iliman Ndiaye could be pivotal in the club’s second half of the season, and a title chase with Arsenal.

Due to his fine form in the English top-flight so far this season, City have reportedly enquired about the aforementioned Senegal international, but face competition from Liverpool and Tottenham, as per to Foot Mercato, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness.

The French-born star is firmly establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous attackers despite being pushed out of his native, left-sided role by City loanee Jack Grealish, instrumental to David Moyes and his team with four goals and one assist in 12 games.

It becomes slightly tricky for admiring clubs due to there being no mention of an asking price from Everton, while Moyes in particular will not want to let go of arguably his best asset unless it is for a huge sum of money.

Ndiaye cost the Merseyside club – who sit 14th in the Premier League table after 13 games – €20 million from Ligue 1 side Marseille in 2024, and it is expected that the Toffees will not be open to a deal, particularly at the midway stage of the campaign.

Meanwhile, his contract runs until the summer of 2029 and as a result puts his club under no pressure to sell. A substantial asking fee is likely to shy Liverpool away on the judgement that their profit and sustainability limitations could become tight, adding to the fact they are a direct Merseyside rival of Everton.

However, Tottenham could prioritise the appointment of Ndiaye despite the summer signings of Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus, alongside the absence of James Maddison – who is still sidelined after suffering an anterior cruciate injury in pre-season.

Nevertheless, it would come as no surprise if Manchester City are to prevail in the battle given their recent history and stature as the greatest club of this generation. Though it still remains to be seen whether any of the clubs take their interest further.