There are several players at Everton attracting interest from the traditional ‘Big Six’.

Manchester United have been monitoring James Garner, especially while he was negotiating his new contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. They appeared to be waiting for a window to sign him before his extension was finalised.

Liverpool and Chelsea both have their eyes on Jarrad Branthwaite, who Tottenham also considered last summer.

Following his Africa Cup of Nations victory with Senegal, Manchester United are reportedly planning a transfer bid for Iliman Ndiaye, according to TEAMtalk.

Manchester United considering move for Iliman Ndiaye

Dean Jones has reported that the Red Devils are likely to step up their interest in the Senegalese forward as his profile continues to grow.

Ndiaye recently helped Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations, adding to a strong 2025/26 season where he has scored four goals and provided two assists in 17 Premier League games for Everton.

TEAMtalk reports that Manchester United see the 25-year-old as a good addition to their forward line, which already includes recent signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

The club believe this strategy of signing players from so-called smaller clubs is paying off, and there is hope that Ndiaye can have a similar impact.

But Michael Carrick has been warned that Ndiaye will not come cheap. The forward is under contract at Everton until July 2029, and a transfer could cost close to the £75m fee United paid for Romelu Lukaku back in July 2017.

How Everton could use Manchester United’s interest in Iliman Ndiaye to sign Harry Maguire

Everton’s ideal scenario is to retain Ndiaye, who joined the club in July 2024 from Marseille for £16.9m, for the entire length of his current contract.

Still, if the Toffees are forced into selling Ndiaye, they may try to use Manchester United’s interest in the Senegal international to help land Harry Maguire.

David Moyes’ side will hope that things do not reach a stage where keeping the Senegalese forward becomes impossible, but if it does go that way, they could still benefit by leveraging the situation.

Everton have been linked with a move for Maguire this summer. The centre-back is preparing to become a free agent at Old Trafford once his contract expires.

Even if United do not hold any control over his future by then, The Friedkin Group may still insist on a deal for the defender before opening talks for Ndiaye just to make negotiations more interesting.