Everton have been urged to retain Iliman Ndiaye after his return from the World Cup, with former Blues winger Anders Limpar warning against selling the Senegalese star amid interest from Manchester United and Manchester City.
Limpar's Plea to Keep Ndiaye
Anders Limpar, who won the FA Cup with Everton in 1995, said: "It will be an extremely hard blow if Iliman Ndiaye leaves Everton for Man Utd or another club. He is the best player in this Everton team." Limpar added that Ndiaye could become "one of the best footballers in the entire Premier League in the future" and stressed: "You can't just sell players! He's Everton's player, so please keep him."
Ndiaye's Impact and Contract Situation
Ndiaye, 26, has been a huge success since his £15m move from Marseille two summers ago. He scored one goal and created two more for Senegal at the World Cup in North America, where they were eliminated by Belgium in the last 32 on July 1. With three years left on his contract, Everton are in a strong position and are keen to reward him with improved terms. However, Ndiaye admitted before the World Cup that he wants to play Champions League football, which both Manchester clubs can offer.
Transfer Targets and Squad Building
Limpar also urged Everton to keep Jack Grealish, whose loan from Manchester City was successful before a foot injury, and to bring back John Stones, the former Everton defender now a free agent after leaving City. He suggested signing Swedish players Benjamin Nygren (Celtic) and Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham), though these are not confirmed targets. Limpar added: "Liam Delap is definitely a good player that Everton should bring into the team. He is still young and can make Everton better."
Everton have already made loans of Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George permanent and signed Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough. Manager David Moyes is known to admire Chelsea striker Liam Delap.
Conclusion
Limpar concluded: "The problem is that Everton need to buy three-four top players - not sell their best people." The Blues are expected to explore bringing back Grealish, but Stones is not thought to be on their shortlist. With Ndiaye's future uncertain, Everton face a crucial decision in the transfer window.
