Delight for Utd fans: Red Devils now deemed ‘frontrunners’ in jam-packed race for ‘one of the best players in PL’

Manchester United have edged ahead of three London rivals in the battle to land Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, with TeamTalk reporting that the Red Devils are now considered the “frontrunners” in a chase also involving Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

The development comes at a pivotal moment for United’s forward line. The club are braced for a major clear-out that could see Marcus Rashford linked with a move to Barcelona, Rasmus Hojlund courted by Napoli and Jadon Sancho depart when his contract expires in June. Securing a proven Premier League goal threat has therefore become a priority, and Ndiaye’s explosive form at Goodison Park has placed him squarely on INEOS’ radar.

United’s recruitment strategy under the new leadership has already pivoted toward domestic experience. Last summer’s arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, both signed from top-flight rivals, have vindicated the policy; the pair have become influential fixtures during their first season at Old Trafford.

Ndiaye, 25, fits the same mould. Operating primarily from the left or through the middle, he has five goals and two assists in 20 Premier League outings this term, performances that prompted talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara to dub him “one of the best players” in the division. The attacker underlined his big-stage credentials in January by helping Senegal lift the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring twice and creating another goal en route to a 1-0 final triumph over hosts Morocco.

Any deal, however, will be complicated by the player’s contract situation. Ndiaye’s terms at Everton run until 2029, giving the Merseysiders maximum leverage. If the Toffees are forced to cash in, they can name their price, particularly if the buying club sits among the so-called “big six”.

For Ndiaye, the next step will hinge on guaranteed minutes. He has started all 20 of Everton’s league fixtures this season and completed the full 90 minutes in the majority, a sequence he will expect any suitor to match.

With United’s forward ranks set for a summer shake-up, the prospect of adding the Senegal international has energised supporters. Whether the Red Devils can convert pole position into a signature remains to be seen, but the race for one of the Premier League’s most in-demand attackers is intensifying.