Grealish endorsement puts Everton's Ndiaye on Man City's summer shortlist

Manchester City are monitoring Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye as they plan their summer rebuild, with Jack Grealish’s glowing public endorsement of the Senegal international adding weight to the club’s reported interest. City’s transfer activity has stalled while they finalise a successor to Pep Guardiola and wait for the World Cup to conclude.

Former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is expected to take the role, though talks have taken longer than anticipated. Once confirmed, City’s priority will be replacing Bernardo Silva, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson understood to be their primary target for that position.

The need for wide reinforcements could intensify if Savinho departs. Tottenham have renewed their interest in the Brazilian winger, and Savinho is said to be open to the move. Having struggled to command a regular starting berth at the Etihad — with Jeremy Doku, Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden all earning selection ahead of him at various points — a guaranteed starting role at Spurs holds obvious appeal.

Grealish himself appears set to leave City, with just one year remaining on his contract and the club seemingly having moved on from the 30-year-old. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Everton, where he played alongside Ndiaye and formed a clear appreciation for the 26-year-old’s abilities.

“Ndiaye is the most skilful player in the Premier League. In terms of pure skill, yeah,” Grealish said in December. “Doku, for example, you wouldn’t put him in a small five-a-side pitch. But Ndiaye wouldn’t even need that space at all. No matter where he is. He’s just in and out.”

Ndiaye enjoyed a productive first half of the season at Goodison Park before his momentum was interrupted by his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations. His profile — a ball-carrier capable of operating in tight spaces — would offer City something distinct from the pace-reliant options already in their squad.

Ndiaye is also understood to be a target for Manchester United, meaning City could face cross-city competition if they decide to pursue him seriously once their managerial situation is resolved.