Manchester United have reportedly been plotting a mega move for an AFCON winner for a potential record fee.
On the field, Manchester United are still fresh off the sensational 3-2 victory over Premier League leaders Arsenal. This win takes Michael Carrick to two wins over Mikel Arteta, with his first coming in his previous interim spell in 2021.
However, the mood has been dampened slightly with the injury news surrounding Patrick Dorgu. The Dane is set for around 10 weeks on the sidelines following a hamstring issue picked up against the Gunners.
Away from the field, the club have now entered the final five days of the winter transfer deal with the rumours of deals hotting up.
The recruitment team have also been deciding on transfer targets for the summer, with one surprise name standing out.
Ndiaye potentially headed to Old Trafford
Since his move to Everton in 2024, Iliman Ndiaye has been one of the Toffees’ key men and more so this season under David Moyes.
While the four goals and two assists may not seem sensational, the 25-year-old brings more to his side. On the ball, he brings fans off their seat with his quick feet and smoothness on the ball, driving his side up the pitch and winning fouls.
Not to mention the fact that the winger has recently become an AFCON winner with Senegal, playing every game.
Team Talk has reported that officials at United have been impressed with Ndiaye’s performances, with his overall profile and skillset being something the club wants to add to the squad in the summer.
However, any fee would have to be astronomical as the Toffees rejected £40 million in the summer from Inter Milan and want closer to their record sale, which was Romelu Lukaku’s £75 million transfer to the Red Devils.
United should spend the money elsewhere
Iliman Ndiaye is undoubtedly destined to join a bigger club than Everton, and with his skill set, it is understandable why the club wants him. He also fits in with the Premier League proven model, which has proven to be successful thanks to Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
However, for a fee over £60 million, let alone £75 million, United would be paying too much for a player that would likely not be an instant starter.
The likes of Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson have all been heavily linked to the club at fees over £75 million. It has also been reported that the club want to get two of the three and that would be an outlay of £150 million plus already.
It would be unlikely to see United spend a similar amount on another forward player when another backup midfielder or even a backup striker should Joshua Zirkzee leave the club, could be on the agenda.
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