Everton remain on the hunt for new additions in the transfer market, despite Sky Sports reporting that Frank Lampard has today been sacked as the Toffees’ manager…
What’s the latest?
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter early on Monday morning to issue an update on the future of Sheffield United striker Iliman Ndiaye.
The Senegalese star has garnered praise for his exploits in the Championship, and as such has drawn interest from Premier League.
Romano expects the Toffees to join the list of admirers, stating: “Sheffield United’s starboy Iliman Ndiaye, attracting interest from Premier League clubs. He has 10 goals and 7 assists this season, proposals could arrive soon – also Everton are tracking him”.
Kickstart post-Lampard era
With Lampard’s sacking confirmed, these are increasingly dark times for Everton, who have until their clash against Arsenal at the start of February to find a successor.
Currently propping up the rest of the top-flight table alongside Southampton, few clubs have endured a worse run of form than the Merseyside outfit, who are without a win of any kind since October.
Much of this season’s failures have boiled down to a lack of proficiency in front of goal, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s continued injury issues also playing a huge role in their offensive inadequacies. Therefore, in an effort to kickstart life after Lampard, this Ndiaye move could be imperative in masterminding a return to safer territory.
As mentioned earlier by Romano, the striker boasts 17 goal contributions after just 28 appearances this term and has struck up a fine partnership with Oliver McBurnie as the diminutive and silky foil to his brutish playing style.
Should Calvert-Lewin regain consistent fitness, he and Ndiaye could replicate this dynamic on a much greater scale at Everton.
It marks the Senegal star’s true breakout season, with the 22-year-old having only recorded nine goal contributions last term.
His impressive form has seen football reporter Alan Biggs suggest that a decline in form could actually be good for the Blades in the long run as they look to keep hold of their prized asset, tweeting: “For an outstanding player to go a bit below the radar in a transfer window could have its benefits.”
However, having been so prolific whereas Everton have not, he was unlikely to avoid attention from other clubs this month.
With the ability to both create and finish, he would be integral in adding an element of quality which has been lacking at Goodison Park. His 1.1 key passes per game and 58% dribble success rate only serve to supplement this notion.
In what would instantly offer a solution to Everton’s most glaring on-field issue, Ndiaye must be brought in to give Lampard’s successor a seamless transition into the job.
