Man Utd shortlist unexpected Premier League star after sealing Ederson transfer

Manchester United have reportedly added a highly rated Premier League player to their list of transfer targets after agreeing a deal to sign Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta.

Despite the transfer window not officially opening until June 15, United have already agreed a deal with Atalanta, which will see Ederson complete a £35 million deal, putting pen to paper on a four-year deal with an option for a further 12 months.

Several players are expected to leave United, with Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee and Andre Onana all likely to depart.

Meanwhile, United are keen to sign two midfielders, a left winger and a left-back, as well as potentially bringing in both a striker and a centre-back.

And it appears that the 20-time Premier League champions are ramping up their interest in recruiting Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye.

The France-born Senegal international, who will form part of the African nation’s World Cup squad, is understood to be on United’s shortlist, according to reports from the Liverpool Echo.

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is also attracting interest from United, while Ndiaye is seen as an alternative option should United fail to sign the England international.

Ndiaye, who is contracted to the Merseyside club until 2029, joined Everton from Marseille in a £15 million deal back in 2024 and has since become one of the Toffees’ most important players, contributing 17 goals and three assists in 71 appearances.

Aside from his goal contributions, the 26-year-old’s dazzling dribbling ability has impressed fans and pundits, with the Everton man completing the second-most successful dribbles in the Premier League last term with 70, behind only Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku on 77.

The Athletic reports that Ndiaye rejected multiple contract offers throughout the previous campaign, although the club are keen to keep him and value the player at close to £70 million.

Speaking in April, Everton boss David Moyes made his stance on Ndiaye’s future clear.

“He is the last person I would consider selling,” Moyes said.

“There are others as well [that I wouldn’t want to sell], but my point is I have no interest in hearing the talk if there is talk out there.

“I don’t think there is any club that is not a selling club at the right value for their player. I am not saying that means he is for sale, I am not, I just think it is a genuine thing where there is a price where people would say: ‘Well, we have to do something.’

“But it is getting too hard to build teams and also supporters are looking for a quick return, which managers are not getting. So why would we be giving up our better players?”

What has Ndiaye said about his future?

Speaking to The Times in February, Ndiaye admitted that he sees speculation about his future but remains focused on giving his all for Everton.

“I see it,” Ndiaye said “I’m not that type of person to just go on X or Instagram because I’m a chill person. I’m calm. Football can take you anywhere.

“If, like you said, there’s these teams that are interested, it means that you’re doing something good. As long as I’m at Everton, I’ll always give my best for them. And I want to achieve things with Everton, starting with this season and getting into Europe.”