Everton set the bar for Ndiaye
Everton have put a price on Iliman Ndiaye's head, and it is a hefty one. Reports suggest £80m would be enough to prise the Senegalese forward away from Goodison Park this summer, with City, United and Arsenal all monitoring the situation.
For all the noise, Ndiaye is not top of anyone's list just yet. The 26-year-old sits somewhere in the background, a name being kept warm should other deals fall through. That could change before the window slams shut, though.
A reluctant seller's market
Everton are not exactly in a position of strength. Ndiaye has already knocked back a move to Al-Hilal because he wants to stay in the Premier League, and he has refused to sign a new contract. That has stirred the pot, even if he still has just under three years left on his current deal.
The Toffees are asking for a significant sum for a player who has made it clear he fancies a move. Whether anyone bites at that number remains to be seen.
City's own forward shuffle
For City, the interest in Ndiaye is tied to what happens with Jack Grealish and Savinho. Both could be on their way out, which would leave Enzo Maresca short of bodies out wide.
Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton, and David Moyes is keen to have him back. The Toffees have not returned to the negotiating table so far this summer, though, so that one is in limbo.
Savinho looks the more likely to leave. The Brazilian has reportedly asked for a transfer, and Tottenham are in talks to sign him, but they have yet to match the £85m asking price.
If both depart, an approach for Ndiaye becomes a real possibility. There are no guarantees at this stage, but the pieces are on the board.