Iliman Ndiaye has joined his Everton teammates at their pre-season training camp in Germany, with the club maintaining he is not for sale as they prepare to complete Christian Norgaard's transfer from Arsenal.
Ndiaye reports for duty
Ndiaye reported for duty on Monday, 31 days after Senegal were eliminated from the World Cup. The Blues are spending a week at their southern German base between the 2-1 win at Hamburg last Saturday and next Saturday's trip to Stuttgart.
The 26-year-old is subject to interest from Al Hilal, with some reports last week claiming he had agreed terms with the Saudi Arabian club. However, his father, Mouhamadou Abdoulaye Ndiaye, denied those claims, telling Wiw Sport in Senegal: "Many people called me to tell me that Iliman was going to leave. But rest assured, he's not going anywhere."
He added: "He called me this morning. I even teased him with a few words in Arabic, and we had a good laugh. He let me know he had no intention of going to Saudi Arabia. He knows he can earn a lot of money there, but he also thinks his level could drop. He's not the type to prioritise money over his career."
Contract and transfer stance
The winger, who scored Everton's last goal at Goodison Park and first at Hill Dickinson Stadium, has rejected several new contract offers this year and spoke of his desire to play Champions League football on the eve of the World Cup finals. But the Blues maintain he is not for sale, a stance that has not changed since David Moyes publicly made his position clear in April.
Norgaard's farewell
Meanwhile, Norgaard has issued an emotional farewell to Arsenal supporters ahead of travelling to Merseyside to seal his £7 million transfer to Everton. The 32-year-old said: "When I signed for Arsenal, I knew I was joining one of the biggest clubs in the world. I may not have played as much as I had hoped, but I gave everything I had every single day, whether it was on the pitch, in training, or supporting my teammates."
He continued: "Winning the Premier League with this club is something I'll cherish forever. I'll always be proud to say I was part of this team. To the Arsenal fans… thank you. You never judged me by the number of minutes I played. You appreciated my professionalism, my commitment and the way I respected this badge. That meant more to me than you'll ever know."
"Now it's time for a new chapter. I leave with my head held high, a champion's medal around my neck and memories that will stay with me forever. Arsenal will always have a place in my heart. Thank you for making me feel like one of your own. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner."
