Tottenham turn to Ndiaye after Gakpo snub as Richarlison heads back to Everton

Tottenham Hotspur are in advanced talks to sign Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye, with striker Richarlison moving in the opposite direction back to Merseyside, according to reports ahead of the transfer deadline. Both deals are said to be separate, though personal terms and medical examinations still need to be completed before either is confirmed.

Ndiaye, 26, has emerged as Spurs’ primary attacking target after Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo rejected a move to north London in favour of Manchester City, who are reportedly in discussions with Liverpool over the Netherlands international. The Senegal international joined Everton from Sheffield United two years ago and has been a consistent starter this season, playing all 90 minutes in their 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Saturday and registering an assist against Crystal Palace on the opening weekend. He remains under contract at Goodison Park until 2029 but has declined several renewal offers during the past year.

Richarlison, meanwhile, has made little secret of his desire to leave Spurs. Everton head coach Roberto De Zerbi confirmed as much after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United, saying: “He said too many times that he wants to leave.” The Brazilian was absent from the matchday squad entirely. De Zerbi also noted that Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr had similarly requested departures, adding: “If they want to leave, they have to bring the solution, the economic solution, to the club, and they can go, and we find other players.”

Richarlison originally left Everton for Spurs in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth £50 million plus £10 million in potential add-ons. He has never signed a contract extension at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and his current five-year deal expires at the end of this season.

Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou declined to discuss the club’s transfer activity when asked after the weekend’s fixture, saying: “No, we speak about the game today, it’s not the right moment and the right day, otherwise it’s like an excuse — I don’t want excuses.”

The Athletic reports that sources at both clubs insist the Ndiaye and Richarlison deals are entirely unrelated, despite their mirrored nature. With the transfer window closing imminently, both moves are expected to be finalised in the coming days if personal terms can be agreed.