Everton set huge asking price for Arsenal and Manchester City transfer target | Football

Everton fear they could be fighting a losing battle to keep Iliman Ndiaye amid interest from Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Senegal international has proven to be a shrewd addition since his arrival from Marseille two years ago.

Ndiaye’s refusal to sign a new contract has left Everton vulnerable, however, especially with two of the Premier League’s biggest fishes registering interest.

The 26-year-old appeared destined to move to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer with a move to Al-Hilal all but agreed before the winger performed a lateU-turn.

Arsenal are desperate to strengthen their forward line before next week’s deadline and had been focusing their efforts on convincing Julian Alvarez to abandon his dream move to Barcelona.

It remains unclear whether or not they will be successful in convincing the former City forward and are considering the Everton star as a potential alternative.

City, too, are keeping a close eye on Ndiaye as they continue to reshape their squad with Enzo Maresca at the helm.

Omar Marmoush is set to join Savio at Tottenham, while Jack Grealish is contemplating several offers, including a potential return to the Toffees after last season’s successful loan spell.

Losing three forwards on top of what they have already lost this summer would mean City are potentially light on attacking options and could yet make a move for Ndiaye.

One of the Premier League’s most creative players won’t come cheap, however, and Everton, according to talkSPORT, value their prize asset at around £80m.

Thierno Barry scored the first hat-trick of his Everton career in the 4-0 Carabao Cup win over Preston but manager David Moyes still wants more from the striker.

Barry took his tally to four in two games – he managed just eight in his first season – with new signing Brennan Johnson scoring his first club goal since November.

‘I think he (Barry) was working with someone in the summer who tried to change his mindset a little bit,’ said Moyes.

‘He found it difficult last year, which a lot of boys coming in from overseas do, which is even worse if you are a centre-forward.

‘Generally, he has been much better since he came back. But I still think I would like more.

‘One or two opportunities he had that he didn’t score, I am annoyed with those ones, I want him to score those as well.’

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