Liverpool ‘Join Race’ To Sign Everton Star in Season’s Most Unexpected Transfer

Liverpool have entered the race to sign one of Everton's star players in a hugely controversial move that would mark the first transfer between the clubs for more than two decades.

The Merseyside derby is one of the fiercest rivalries in English football, with the clubs having faced each other nearly 250 times.

Transfers between them are far rarer, with Nick Barmby the last to make the switch, joining Liverpool for £6 million in 2000.

That deal was the first time a player had moved directly from Everton to Liverpool since Dick Hickson back in 1959.

However, Liverpool are now reportedly eyeing one of Everton's most prized assets, with the January window fast approaching.

Despite spending £450 million over the summer, Arne Slot is still keen to strengthen his squad, with Liverpool currently sitting eighth in the Premier League.

Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz made big-money moves in the summer (Image: Getty)

And one player to have been linked is Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye.

This is only Ndiaye's second season on Merseyside, having joined the Toffees for £16.9 million.

He finished last season with 11 goals in 37 games, playing primarily on the left wing.

But this season he has shifted over to the right following the loan signing of Jack Grealish, and the Senegalese forward has once again been one of Everton's best players.

He has already scored four goals and registered one assist in the league, including a stunning solo effort at the Stadium of Light to give the Toffees the lead.

Ndiaye has also earned praise for his defensive work rate, with only England international Elliot Anderson winning the ball back more times than the Everton forward this season.

According to French outlet FootMercato, Liverpool have enquired about Ndiaye's availability, despite the winger only signing for Everton in 2024.

Iliman Ndiaye (Image: Getty)

FootMercato allege: "Manchester City, Tottenham, and Liverpool have made inquiries about signing the former AS Dakar Sacre-Coeur player.

"Needing to bring in a new striker in the coming months, these three clubs are interested in recruiting the former Marseille player, who is high on their shortlist."

Manchester City have been linked with several wide attackers in recent months.

They were the favourites to sign Rodrygo over the summer, but Real Madrid's reported £90 million asking price proved prohibitive.

Pep Guardiola's side are also understood to have considered Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, with his £65 million release clause active in the opening days of the January window.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur look to be in need of reinforcements, with Thomas Frank's side languishing in the bottom half of the table.

Mohammed Kudus has made a strong start to life in North London, but Spurs have struggled to create chances without the injured trio of James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke.

Frank has managed just one home league win in seven attempts this season, which may tempt the board into making an ambitious January addition.