Everton demand £70m for Iliman Ndiaye amid Manchester United pursuit

Everton have reportedly set a £70m price tag on attacking midfielder Iliman Ndiaye, with Manchester United showing interest in the 25-year-old. The Mirror claims the Goodison Park club are prepared to play hardball over their star asset.

Ndiaye joined Everton from Sheffield United in the summer of 2024 for a fee in the region of £40m. Since then, he has established himself as a key creative force, contributing eight goals and seven assists in all competitions this season.

Why Everton are holding out for a high fee

Everton's £70m valuation reflects Ndiaye's importance to Sean Dyche's system. The Senegal international leads the team for chances created (42) and successful dribbles (68) in the Premier League this term. His ability to operate across the front line—primarily as a central attacking midfielder or wide forward—makes him difficult to replace.

The club's financial position also plays a part. Everton have been under pressure to meet profit and sustainability rules, but selling a key player mid-season for a substantial fee could help balance the books without weakening the squad excessively—provided the price is right.

Manchester United's interest and tactical fit

Manchester United are in the market for attacking reinforcements, particularly a player comfortable in the number ten role or on the left flank. Ndiaye's dribbling ability and work rate align with Erik ten Hag's preference for high-energy forwards. United have struggled for creativity from midfield this season, with Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes shouldering most of the burden.

However, £70m would represent a significant outlay for a player with only 12 months of top-flight experience at a high level before his Everton move. United have typically been cautious with such valuations for players outside the elite bracket.

Impact on Everton's season and FPL considerations

Losing Ndiaye would be a major blow for Everton, who are currently 14th in the table, six points above the relegation zone. His partnership with Dominic Calvert-Lewin has yielded seven goals from open play. Without him, Dyche would likely rely on Dwight McNeil or Jack Harrison to provide the creative spark, a step down in quality.

From a Fantasy Premier League perspective, Ndiaye is owned by 12.3% of managers. His price of £6.0m and upcoming fixtures against Wolves, Crystal Palace, and Southampton make him a differential option. If a transfer materialises, his FPL appeal could diminish if he moves to a side where he is not a guaranteed starter.

  • Ndiaye ranks first among Everton players for key passes per game (2.1) and successful dribbles (3.4 per 90 minutes).
  • Eighty-five per cent of his goal involvements have come at Goodison Park, highlighting his influence on home turf.
  • A £70m fee would make him Everton's second-highest sale, behind only Romelu Lukaku's £75m move to Manchester United in 2017.

What happens next?

Manchester United must decide whether to meet Everton's valuation or pursue alternative targets. The January transfer window closes on 31 January, leaving limited time for negotiations. Everton, for their part, are likely to resist any offer below their asking price, given Ndiaye's contract runs until 2028. If United fail to match the fee, the forward will remain at Goodison Park until at least the summer, when the situation will be reassessed.

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