Everton scouts were regular visitors at Bramall Lane during the 2021/22 season, as they were initially scouting Morgan Gibbs-White.
That’s according to The Athletic, who report that Everton were showing a strong interest in Gibbs-White.
The attacking midfielder was on loan at Sheffield United from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and he enjoyed a very productive campaign.
Gibbs-White registered an impressive 23 goal involvements, helping his side reach the Championship play-offs.
It’s understood that Everton were actually quite close to signing the youngster, who is now a six-cap England international, but Nottingham Forest managed to pip them to his signature.
Thankfully, attention was later pivoted to Iliman Ndiaye, whom they noticed during their visits to Sheffield United.
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How likely do you think it is that Everton could lose Iliman Ndiaye this summer? 😬
Surely a player of his quality will want to showcase himself on the top stage 🤩
Everton’s Morgan Gibbs-White scouting mission led to Iliman Ndiaye signing
The Athletic further reports that during Everton’s Gibbs-White scouting missions, they were noticing what an ‘elite dribbler’ his teammate Ndiaye was.
The Toffees were in awe of his technical ability, but perhaps unusually, it was paired with an extremely hard-working nature.
How much would it take for Everton to accept a bid for Iliman Ndiaye? 💷
David Moyes said every player has his price… 😫
Kevin Thelwell recognised that Ndiaye wasn’t just a luxury player, he was a magician who also got stuck into the physical side of the game.
Those traits were perfect for what Everton needed at the time, as they were fighting to survive in the Premier League.
Ndiaye was linked with a move to Goodison Park in 2023, but it was Marseille who convinced him to return to France.
After a season in Ligue 1, Sean Dyche and his chiefs reignited their interest and got a deal done for just £15m in 2024.
As they say, the rest is history, with Ndiaye now regarded as one of the Premier League’s best talents.
The challenge now is to fend off the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, as they circle the Senegal international.
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