Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye has been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United this summer and he has given interested parties some encouragement.
The 26-year-old has been with the Toffees since 2024, taking the unusual career path of Sheffield United, Marseille and now Everton.
The forward had an impressive first season on Merseyside, scoring 11 goals in all competitions, but the last campaign was quieter, netting just six times.
Ndiaye is at the World Cup this summer with Senegal, looking to add to the 39 caps he has won, but there is speculation over his club future.
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Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City have all been linked with moves for the France-born star, who can operate on either wing or behind the striker.
All three clubs would offer Ndiaye Champions League football, and he has made it clear that is what he wants.
‘You don’t know where football will take you next,’ the Senegal international told SportBible.
‘As I’ve always said, I want to be the best player and to do that, you have to play at the top. I want to be playing at the top level. I want to be playing Champions League football.’
Ndiaye is extremely ambitious and – if offers do come in – Everton would likely need to convince him that they can challenge for silverware in order to convince him to stay.
‘When I look back at everything I’ve done, everything I’ve been through, it is something to be proud of. But it doesn’t stop here. You don’t stop when you’ve made it. You want to go further and achieve things,’ Ndiaye continued.
‘Since I was young, I’ve always had the same dream — to be the best player in the world. I also want to win trophies for my club and country. That’s what I play football for. You want to win trophies and make people proud, your family proud, your country proud. I don’t want to have any regrets.’
Everton boss David Moyes has described Ndiaye as the ‘last person I would consider selling,’ while the club would only entertain significant offers.
Reports suggest the Toffees will place a ‘prohibitive valuation’ on the winger of around £70m.
They base that figure on Anthony Gordon’s recent £70m move to Barcelona from Everton’s Premier League rivals Newcastle United and hope it will deter possible suitors.
Ndiaye’s Senegal get their World Cup campaign underway on Tuesday night in testing fashion as they take on France in New Jersey.