Tottenham Plot Shock Iliman Ndiaye Move as Cody Gakpo Transfer Battle Takes Another Dramatic Twist
Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans have taken another intriguing turn, with reports suggesting that the North London club could make a stunning late move for Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye.
While Spurs continue to be linked with Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, the latest developments indicate that Roberto De Zerbi’s side may be exploring alternative options as the transfer window enters its decisive final days.
Gakpo remains a major name on Tottenham’s radar, but his future at Liverpool has reportedly become a subject of increasing speculation. With Spurs determined to add more attacking firepower, the club appears to be keeping several possibilities open rather than putting all of its hopes into one deal.
And now, Ndiaye has emerged as a potential surprise target.
According to journalist Santi Aouna, Tottenham are considering a move for the Senegal international as they look to strengthen their attack before the transfer deadline. Even more remarkably, the potential deal could involve Richarlison returning to Everton.
Such a transfer would immediately become one of the most eye-catching stories of the window.
Richarlison previously enjoyed a successful spell at Everton before making the move to Tottenham, and the possibility of him returning to Goodison Park could add another fascinating layer to the negotiations.
Aouna reported that Richarlison could potentially move in the opposite direction as part of a deal designed to bring Ndiaye to Tottenham.
However, Spurs may face serious competition.
Manchester City are also reportedly continuing discussions with Everton regarding Ndiaye, with their pursuit said to be progressing positively. That could turn the situation into a dramatic three-way transfer battle, particularly with Tottenham and City both looking to strengthen their attacking options.
Aouna stated on X that Ndiaye is among Tottenham’s options to bolster their attack, while Spurs’ interest in Folarin Balogun remains ongoing. He also reported that discussions between Ndiaye and Manchester City are continuing and progressing, while Jack Grealish could potentially move to Everton.
If Everton’s reported £80 million valuation of Ndiaye is accurate, Tottenham would have to make a significant financial commitment to secure his signature.
But the timing of Spurs’ interest in Ndiaye is perhaps the most fascinating part of the entire story.
Is Tottenham trying to disrupt Manchester City’s Gakpo pursuit?
One of the biggest questions now surrounding the situation is whether Tottenham’s interest in Ndiaye could have a wider transfer strategy behind it.
Reports recently suggested that Manchester City had made contact with Gakpo’s representatives. That development could potentially complicate Tottenham’s hopes of signing the Liverpool attacker.
With City reportedly exploring Gakpo while Tottenham remain interested, Spurs could be looking at alternative targets to ensure they are not left empty-handed if their preferred deal fails to materialise.
The emergence of Ndiaye as a reported target therefore raises plenty of questions.
Could Tottenham genuinely prefer Ndiaye as their next attacking signing? Or is the club attempting to put pressure on Manchester City by showing that it is prepared to compete for one of their alternative targets?
There is currently no confirmation that Spurs’ interest is specifically designed to disrupt City’s pursuit of Gakpo, but the timing has certainly fuelled speculation.
For Tottenham supporters, however, the bigger picture is clear: the club appears determined to strengthen its attack before the window closes.
With Gakpo, Ndiaye and Balogun all reportedly featuring in the club’s plans, Spurs have no shortage of attacking options under consideration.
A potential Richarlison-Ndiaye swap would be particularly dramatic. It would see a familiar face potentially return to Everton while Tottenham acquire a player capable of providing another dimension to their forward line.
At the same time, Manchester City’s involvement could make negotiations considerably more difficult.
The final days of the transfer window are often when the biggest surprises happen, and Tottenham could now find themselves at the centre of another major transfer battle.
Whether Ndiaye ultimately arrives in North London, returns to Everton as part of a complicated deal, or ends up joining Manchester City remains to be seen.
But with Gakpo’s situation also developing, Spurs’ late-window attacking plans are becoming increasingly fascinating.
One thing is certain: Tottenham’s transfer window may be heading towards another huge twist, and the battle involving Gakpo, Ndiaye and Manchester City could be one of the stories to watch right until deadline day.
