Senegal winger chooses Etihad over north London after City’s late intervention derails Spurs’ long-standing pursuit

Manchester City have sensationally hijacked Tottenham Hotspur’s move for Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye, with the Senegal international agreeing to join the Premier League champions in a £65m deal.

The dramatic deadline-day twist represents a crushing blow for Spurs, who had been in advanced talks with Everton and appeared on the verge of landing the 26-year-old. But City made a late and decisive move after failing to reach an agreement for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, and Ndiaye wasted no time in making his preference clear.

Sources confirmed that Manchester City have struck a £65m deal with Everton — comprising £60m guaranteed plus £5m in potential add-ons — and the player has already agreed personal terms. Ndiaye is now set to undergo his medical in the Northwest rather than north London, with the formalities of his move to the Etihad expected to follow swiftly.

The transfer is understood to be separate from Jack Grealish’s proposed move to Everton, with the England international still expected to head in the opposite direction.

For Tottenham, the collapse of the Ndiaye deal represents a significant setback. Spurs had been working on the Senegalese star and were making progress before City’s intervention. They have now swiftly turned their attention to alternatives, with Meziesblog understanding that they are exploring a loan deal for Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk. Tottenham are also in talks over a permanent move for Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who could replace Kevin Danso should the defender complete his proposed move to Sunderland.

City, for their part, insist that Ndiaye remained firmly on their radar throughout the summer transfer window. The champions have now moved quickly to secure his signature, landing one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking talents just as Spurs thought they had him in the bag.