Richarlison set for shock Everton return as Ndiaye heads to Tottenham in separate deals

Tottenham and Everton are in talks over moves that could send Iliman Ndiaye to north London and bring Richarlison back to Merseyside, with the transfer window approaching its close.

Spurs have identified the Senegal international as Roberto De Zerbi’s next attacking addition after a summer that has already seen the club sign Savio for a minimum of £75m — rising to a potential £85m — and Omar Marmoush on a loan from Manchester City that will become a £60m permanent deal. Adding Ndiaye would push Tottenham’s total summer outlay past £400m.

Ndiaye, who joined Everton from Marseille for £15m two years ago, has scored 15 Premier League goals for the club and has rejected multiple contract extension offers. Manchester City also registered interest in the versatile forward before turning their attention to Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo instead.

Richarlison’s potential return to Goodison Park would mark a notable reunion. The Brazilian was a fan favourite on Merseyside before Everton sold him to Tottenham in 2022 for £60m as the club sought to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. He has since scored 32 goals in 134 appearances for Spurs, having netted 53 times across four seasons at Everton.

The two moves would be structured as separate deals rather than a direct swap, though Everton are no strangers to parallel transfer activity this summer — they already signed Brennan Johnson from Crystal Palace while Dwight McNeil moved in the opposite direction to Selhurst Park.

Everton manager David Moyes, speaking after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, made clear his reluctance to lose further players. “I don’t think we can afford to lose any players, certainly not our better ones,” he said. “The club dictates a lot of that.”

The Toffees face additional pressure on their squad, with teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong attracting interest from Nottingham Forest. Moyes’s comments suggest the club’s hierarchy may yet override his wishes as the window nears its deadline.