Sheffield United face battle to hold on to promotion star as Everton and Marseille prepare transfer bids
EVERTON and Marseille look set to battle it out for Sheffield United star Iliman Ndiaye.
Toffees boss Sean Dyche tried for Ndiaye in the January transfer window and was willing to offer a big sum.
But now the player’s deal is running down, the Toffees plan to try their luck at a lower figure.
Dyche expects to trade some of his players to raise cash and badly needs new forwards.
Exciting Senegalese star Ndiaye would be an ideal addition after a breakthrough season with the Blades.
Dyche hopes to sell Jordan Pickford, Demarai Gray, Neal Maupay, Mason Holgate and possibly Amadou Onana to raise cash, and Ndiaye is a priority.
Everton are planning to go to £20million but may struggle to get their man because of the growing interest from Marseille.
Ndiaye, 23, was also not keen on the move last time and is unlikely to change his mind now, according to Bramall Lane sources.
He has a year left on his deal and Blades are happy to have him, with the hope he can keep them up and may yet agree to extend his deal.
However, Ndiaye has a long-term aim to play in French football — with Marseille a dream destination.
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He was there as a kid for four seasons and it would be the ultimate to return there as a starter.
The French club were planning a move next summer when he would be free but may yet come in with a low offer in this window or the next.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United are offering Jack Robinson a minor rise to stay with them for the Premier League campaign.
The defender is out of contract and can leave for nothing.
But the Blades, who are on a tight budget, have made a half-hearted attempt to keep him.
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