Maresca plots Ndiaye swoop once Savinho departs

Manchester City are ready to move for Everton's Iliman Ndiaye if Savinho completes a switch to Tottenham Hotspur before the new campaign gets under way. That is the word from Stefan Borson, the former City financial adviser, who has told Football Insider the Blues are keen on the Senegal international as a direct replacement for the Brazilian winger.

Savinho, 22, has been linked with an exit from the Etihad for some time, but the move to North London appears to have stalled. Once it is finally pushed through, Enzo Maresca could turn his attention to the Toffees' No.10, who is also being strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Al Hilal are understood to be pushing for Ndiaye's signature, though the player's father has publicly criticised the recent speculation. The 26-year-old has made no secret of his desire to play Champions League football, and City would certainly be able to offer that this season.

Borson backs the Blues to pounce

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson tipped City to make a move for Ndiaye once Savinho's sale goes through. He said: "I do think that the other teams would be interested. Man City, in particular, like the player."

He added: "And if City were to sell Savinho, maybe they would be interested in him. Savinho does look like he will eventually go to Spurs."

Borson also weighed in on the potential fee, suggesting a bidding war could drive the price up. "If they could get a bidding war going, £70m these days is not enormous, is it? And some people would say, 'Well, [Crysencio] Summerville went for, let's say £55m plus add-ons'," he said.

"So £70m would be above that. On any of these deals, you need a bit of competitive tension to get the best price. They need a couple of teams that are pushing the price up."

Grealish complication and Everton's own plans

Everton, meanwhile, are already eyeing a replacement for Ndiaye. Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Bologna's Jonathan Rowe, formerly of Norwich City, is being viewed as a potential option.

The Toffees will also want to get a deal for City's Jack Grealish across the line, but that could be made more difficult by UEFA's 45-day rule if Ndiaye goes the other way. A busy end to the window, then, for both clubs.