Iliman Ndiaye Everton transfer latest as club seek third signing of summer

Everton are in talks with Marseille over a deal for Iliman Ndiaye.

The player has long been of interest to the Blues and there is hope an agreement can be reached that would make him the club’s third signing of the summer.

The 24-year-old would be a significant boost to Sean Dyche’s attacking options should he follow Tim Iroegbunam and Jack Harrison through the door at the Finch Farm.

READ MORE: Ashley Young agrees new Everton contract as Kevin Thelwell explains role

READ MORE: Newcastle walk away from Dominic Calvert-Lewin pursuit to end Everton's Yankuba Minteh hopes

Ndiaye has been on the radar of Everton’s recruitment team for some time but the club was unable to stop him from signing for Marseille after his departure from Sheffield United last summer. After a turbulent 12 months in France, there is a sense this summer represents a new opportunity to lure Ndiaye to Goodison Park and director of football Kevin Thelwell is leading an attempt to do so.

The forward would be a welcome addition to an attacking unit that struggled for goals last season. The Senegal international could lead the line - meaning he would be a useful signing should Dominic Calvert-Lewin leave this summer - or he could excel in a support striker role behind Calvert-Lewin or Beto.

Talks are ongoing between the Blues and Marseille but are understood to be progressing amid a flurry of early activity in the transfer market. Midfielder Iroegbunam arrived on Merseyside on Saturday from Aston Villa, with winger Lewis Dobbin heading in the opposite direction, and Harrison’s loan return from Leeds United was confirmed on Monday.

Separately, Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman have both agreed contract extensions while Idrissa Gueye had an option to extend his deal by a further year triggered by the club as Thelwell has moved early to consolidate and strengthen last season’s squad.