Everton now look likely to miss out on Sheffield United attacker Iliman Ndiaye with the Senegal international set to move to Olympique Marseille.
The ‘incredible’ forward was heavily linked with a move to Goodison Park this summer as Everton look to strengthen their attacking options.
However, the Toffees appear to have missed out on Iliman Ndiaye, with an ‘agreement expected’ between the player and French side Olympique Marseille.
Indeed, as confirmed by journalist Fabrizio Romano via his Twitter account, a transfer fee is still to be negotiated, but Ndiaye ‘wants the move’.
Romano tweeted: “Olympique Marseille are in advanced negotiations over personal terms with Iliman Ndiaye. Agreement expected soon as five year deal is being discussed, Ndiaye wants the move.
OM will negotiate with Sheffield United about transfer fee. Step by Step. Deal on as revealed last week.”
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Inadequate Everton suffer another blow with failed attempt to sign Iliman Ndiaye
Ndiaye will be just the latest Everton-linked attacker to seal a move elsewhere, with Coventry City’s Viktor Gyokeres set to join Portuguese giants Sporting CP.
Indeed, it is another blow to Everton’s transfer ambitions this summer, during a window when the club must be proactive and secure the targets that Sean Dyche has identified.
Everton desperately need to recruit well upfront after scoring just 34 Premier League goals last season, staying in the top-flight by just two points.
Ndiaye could have been an excellent addition to Everton’s squad, bagging an impressive 14 goals and 10 assists last season as the Blades won promotion to the Premier League.
However, Everton will now have to look elsewhere, and fans will be hopeful that the club have already identified an alternative.
However, if the Toffees have already missed out on their first and second choice, the club could be in danger of another transfer faux pas, such as last summer’s £15m forward Neal Maupay.