Tottenham Hotspur have moved quickly after missing out on Cody Gakpo and agreed on a deal with Everton for Iliman Ndiaye.
The Toffees star had been on the Lilywhites' radar and viewed as an ideal Gakpo alternative should they fail to sign the Liverpool forward. The Dutchman has opted to join Manchester City, but it's taken just a day for Roberto De Zerbi's transfer chiefs to react.
David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that Tottenham have reached an agreement in principle with Everton for Ndiaye to join the North Londoners and Richarlison heading in the opposite direction. Both players are set to undergo medicals and agree on personal terms before completing their respective moves.
Tottenham Agree Ndiaye Deal
Ornstein notes in his report that the deals for Ndiaye and Richarlison are separate and not part of a swap deal. City had also shown interest in the Senegalese winger, and Everton were open to the possibility of him heading to the Etihad and Jack Grealish returning to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
City turned to Gakpo and got the green light from the player on Saturday, handing Spurs a setback given they were working on a deal for the Liverpool star. With the Cityzens now closing in on an £85 million deal for the Dutch attacker, this has paved the way for Roberto De Zerbi's transfer chiefs to pounce for Ndiaye.
Ndiaye played in Everton's 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday but it wasn't the 26-year-old whom fans were concerned was headed for the exit door. Harrison Armstrong had been set to join Nottingham Forest in a £40m deal, but backlash has led to a U-turn.
They are now set to sell Ndiaye to Spurs instead, and De Zerbi is landing a much-desired creative attacker following a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday. His future has been the subject of speculation throughout the summer having turned down multiple contract extension offers last season.
Ndiaye is said to have 'behaved professionally' despite talk of a potential exit during the transfer window. Should he complete a move to North London, he'll become De Zerbi's third attacking signing following the arrivals of Omar Marmoush and Savio from City.
Richarlison Set For Everton Return
While Ndiaye's move to Spurs is the main talking point, there is also plenty to discuss about Richarlison returning to Everton. The Brazilian forward made a name for himself during a four-year spell at Goodison Park.
Richarlison left on good terms back in July 2022 when he joined the Lilywhites in a £60m deal. His time at the capital club has been a topsy-turvy one, failing to become a fan favourite as he was while on Merseyside.
The 29-year-old has spent nine years in England and has been keen to stay in the country where his family is settled. He'll be getting the opportunity to do so while earning more game time under David Moyes at Hill Dickinson.