Manchester City agree £65m deal to sign Iliman Ndiaye from Everton | OneFootball

Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle with Everton to sign forward Iliman Ndiaye in a deal worth £65 million, according to The Athletic.

City made a decisive breakthrough in negotiations after quickly shifting their focus in the final days of the transfer window.

Cody Gakpo was initially their top attacking target, but Liverpool refused to sell due to an inability to find a replacement. City turned to Ndiaye.

The 26-year-old Senegal international is scheduled for a medical on Tuesday morning before signing a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Ndiaye’s ability to play as a wide forward, attacking midfielder or second striker, combined with his technical agility, dribbling and pressing, made him a target for City.

He had previously been close to joining Tottenham Hotspur, but City’s late interest dramatically altered the transfer landscape.

The move to City marks a significant step up in Ndiaye’s career.

With a club-to-club agreement struck and paperwork moving towards completion, City do not anticipate any late complications.

If Ndiaye passes his medical as expected, he will be unveiled as City’s latest attacking signing, following the earlier arrival of Allan on Monday.

City still want Enzo Fernandez and have now opened direct talks with Chelsea.

The Blues are unlikely to lower their £120m valuation of the Argentine, and it is unclear how far City are willing to go given their recent spree.