Tottenham Enter Race for Everton Star Ndiaye

Tottenham have muscled into the race for Everton star Ndiaye, turning an already intriguing transfer saga into a full-blown Premier League tug of war.

The North London club, already past the £300 million mark in this window, are not easing off. Under Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs have ripped up and rebuilt their attacking options, bringing in Omar Marmoush and Savio from Manchester City. Yet the Italian still wants one more wide forward to complete his frontline before the deadline slams shut.

For weeks, Cody Gakpo looked the likeliest candidate. Not anymore. Attention has swung firmly towards Ndiaye, the Senegal international who has lit up Goodison Park and become one of Everton’s most valuable assets, as reported by Foot Mercato.

Spurs’ move drops them into a three-way contest with Manchester City and Arsenal, both long-time admirers of the 26-year-old and closely tracking his situation.

De Zerbi's Remarks

De Zerbi did little to cool the speculation when he spoke on Friday about Tottenham’s plans for the final stretch of the window.

"I didn’t expect a transfer window like we have done. I think we can do one player more in one specific position," he said. "Yesterday we went to dinner with the owners, Johan [Lange, sporting director] and Vinai [Venkatesham, chief executive] and we spoke about this. All of us are on the same page and a very good connection."

It was a clear message: Tottenham’s chequebook is still open.

Ndiaye's Future

Ndiaye’s future has been a running story all summer. At one stage, he seemed on the brink of a lucrative switch to the Saudi Pro League, with a move to Al-Hilal said to be close before the player pulled out late on. That decision to stay in England has only sharpened interest from the Premier League elite, with Manchester City viewing him as a potential answer to recent departures in their attacking unit.

Everton, though, are not behaving like a selling club. Far from it.

The Toffees have slapped an £80 million price tag on Ndiaye, a figure designed to test the resolve of even the wealthiest suitors. With the Senegalese forward tied down on Merseyside until 2029, Everton hold the leverage, despite the player recently turning down a new contract offer.

Moyes' Comments

David Moyes underlined that stance on Friday when asked about the growing noise around his star man.

"We’re certainly not in a hurry to sell our best players, that’s for sure," the Everton manager said. "As far as I know, we’ve got nothing to be concerned about, we’ve had no contact from any club. Somebody told me we had contact with Al-Hilal during the summer, we had nothing from them."

So the stage is set: Tottenham pushing hard to finish De Zerbi’s attacking puzzle, Manchester City and Arsenal lurking, and Everton standing firm behind a sky-high valuation.

Now it comes down to who blinks first – the clubs chasing Ndiaye, or the player who has already shown once this summer that he is willing to change course at the last moment.