Flashscore sources: Man City seek to unlock a deal for £100m-rated Iliman Ndiaye

City have been looking into forward options including Pedro Neto and Cody Gakpo, but sources say there is a real admiration for Ndiaye that could yet lead him to Etihad Stadium.

Everton have internally valued Ndiaye at around £100 million in an attempt to deter potential suitors, but there is a feeling that the Senegal international would be open to a late move and is intrigued by the prospect of joining Man City.

Sources have indicated to Flashscore that further discussions have taken place on both sides, with City continuing to show genuine interest in the forward.

Flashscore revealed last week that Everton were bracing themselves for offers for Ndiaye, while also highlighting the club’s efforts to explore a deal to sign Jack Grealish.

The understanding among insiders is that City would seek to pay no more than £80m for Ndiaye, despite Everton’s £100m valuation.

City nevertheless believe the 26-year-old would improve their squad and provide greater flexibility to their attacking set-up.

Ndiaye could help fill the void left by the departures of Omar Marmoush and Savinho, who have both moved on this summer, while his ability to operate in different attacking positions is viewed as another attraction. 

Grealish, meanwhile, is understood to be open to leaving City and has also been linked with Sunderland and former club Aston Villa.

He spent last season on loan at Everton, meaning he already knows the club and its environment, while Everton are increasingly interested in the possibility of bringing him back. Discussions have continued on that front this week.

Everton would ideally prefer to keep Ndiaye for another season but could become more receptive to his departure if they can strengthen their attacking options with Grealish. There is also interest from Everton in Man City's Rico Lewis, as a new right-back is a necessity before Tuesday.

City are not the only club monitoring Ndiaye. Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United have also maintained a keen interest, although a move to Old Trafford appears difficult at the moment. Spurs, however, could yet consider making a move and Arsenal are still seeking a new solution in attack.

Interestingly, both Tottenham and Manchester City have also made enquiries about Cody Gakpo in recent days, suggesting the attacking market could still have plenty of movement before the window closes.

For now, City’s interest in Ndiaye is genuine and they will seek to unlock a deal across the weekend.

Dean Jones is a transfer news and football insider for Flashscore, since 2025. He has been a journalist on leading UK newspapers and websites over the past 20 years, establishing himself as an authoritative and trusted voice in the industry.