Moyes hits back at Man City interest in Iliman Ndiaye

David Moyes has responded to Manchester City’s interest in Iliman Ndiaye. The Everton boss said it would be “very difficult” to reinvest any transfer income before the window closes, as the club would be left with too little time.

Speaking in the context of Everton’s push to strengthen before Tuesday’s deadline, Moyes stressed that the plan is to add to the squad without losing one of their key players like Ndiaye. He also argued that the squad still needs “a lot of work” if they want to target ambitious aims such as a European challenge.

City yet to make a bid

As reported by The Guardian, City have not yet bid for Ndiaye. Moyes noted the forward has three years left on his Everton contract, and that last season he turned down several extension offers because they did not include a release clause for a Champions League club.

Moyes also played down any push for a move, saying he is “certainly not encouraging” a bid for Ndiaye and that deals and contracts are taking longer now. He added that while there is not much time, Everton will still try to see what they can do.

Right-back and striker priority

Everton’s recruitment targets include a right-back and a centre-forward. The article also links the wider pressure on the club to tensions sparked by Angus Kinnear’s comments about last season being a failure for missing out on Europe, and Moyes replied that the team were close for much of the campaign and have had a strong start—factors that keep the door open.

If the City situation develops, it will likely hinge on whether Everton can sell and reinvest in time, something Moyes clearly doubts at this stage.