Tottenham look set to lose out to Manchester City in the deadline day race for Iliman Ndiaye after City’s move for Cody Gakpo stalls.
Tottenham Hotspur remain keen on adding more depth to their attack and have identified Iliman Ndiaye as a possible signing before the summer transfer window slams shut on 1 September in the UK.
Reports from yesterday claimed that Spurs and Everton had reached an agreement for the winger, a move that could also see Richarlison make a switch to Merseyside, although both deals are considered separate.
However, since those reports, things have moved quickly with several other sides also showing a keen interest in the 26-year-old versatile winger, including Manchester City and Arsenal.
Tottenham face competition from Manchester City for Iliman Ndiaye
According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham’s move for Ndiaye is not as straightforward as the Lilywhites had hoped. That is because Manchester City are now in contact with the winger’s agent as they fear they could miss out on Gakpo, who is their primary target.
Spurs Web revealed last week that Gakpo, who was on the radar of Spurs, had opted to join the Manchester club this summer in what was a blow to Roberto De Zerbi’s side. However, while Gakpo has said yes to City, any deal hinges on Liverpool securing a replacement for the winger.
Romano now states that Liverpool have not ruled out keeping Gakpo this summer if they do not find a replacement. Meanwhile, Ndiaye’s move to Tottenham is not done yet, with Richarlison still uncertain over a return to Everton.
Romano tweeted: “Manchester City made again contact with Iliman Ndiaye’s agents today as Gakpo deal is in danger. Liverpool do not rule out to keep Cody Gakpo if they can’t find replacement. Ndiaye’s move to Tottenham is not done yet with Richarlison doubts over Everton return.”
Romano added in a second tweet that Man City are now advancing in their talks and have overtaken Tottenham, creating an Eberechi Eze repeat of last summer when Arsenal hijacked Spurs’ deal at the death.
Spurs explore alternatives as Ndiaye deal remains uncertain
With so much uncertainty surrounding a deal for Ndiaye, reports from elsewhere have claimed that Tottenham have alternative targets.
In fact, four other wingers are believed to be on the radar of the Lilywhites, who could be shopping from London rivals Chelsea this summer.
Tosin Adarabioyo is said to be Spurs’ replacement signing for Kevin Danso, who is under the radar of Sunderland, while former Blues man Christian Pulisic is one of the four Ndiaye alternatives.