Keeping Iliman Ndiaye at Sheffield United is now the number one priority for Paul Heckingbottom as January approaches.
Ndiaye has enjoyed a superb season. And coupled with some fine performances at the World Cup, is expected to be a man in demand in the winter window. On top of that, he is into the final 18 months of his contract, putting the Sheffield United board in a tricky position.
Yorkshire Live reports today that there is a very realistic chance United lose Ndiaye in one of the next two windows.
But with few concrete links in terms of interested clubs, just where will Ndiaye end up? Well, we’ve taken a look, within reason, at the clubs likely to be keen on Ndiaye.
Who will sign Iliman Ndiaye from Sheffield United?
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Liverpool
The Reds have made a nice habit of looking to the Championship and Scotland for talent and there’ll no doubt be eyes on Ndiaye from Anfield.
They signed Fabio Carvalho – arguably the best young player in last season’s Championship – and have signed the likes of Harvey Elliott, Andy Robertson and Calvin Ramsay in recent years from clubs outside the elite.
Liverpool fan site Liverpool.com has already earmarked Ndiaye as one for Klopp to look at. And with the likes of Jota and Diaz injured, he’d be a boost for the Reds in January for sure.
Sadio Mane left Liverpool in the summer. But having played with Ndiaye at int’l level, the Bayern man could well give Jurgen Klopp the inside track on the United youngster.
Nottingham Forest
One of few clubs to have actually been given a serious link with Ndiaye, The Athletic reported last month how the Reds had considered a bid.
Despite spending huge sums in the summer, Forest’s recruitment remains ongoing heading into January. And with Morgan Gibbs-White likely to big up Ndiaye to Steve Cooper, don’t be surprised to see our friends from Nottingham come back into the fold.
Marseille
This is one that might happen down the line and one Ndiaye himself has admitted he would love to see.
Ndiaye spoke recently about his dream to play for the French giants. And given they can offer European football and the chance to challenge the likes of PSG, it’s an enticing move.
From a United fan perspective, this would be disappointing. If Ndiaye does leave, most Blades would rather see him take the Premier League by storm, rather than a sub-standard Ligue 1.