Everton came close to signing the striker who stunned Tottenham and made a surprise comeback

Everton are close to agreeing a deal with Marseille for former Sheffield United striker Iliman Ndiaye, talkSPORT understands.

The French giants are hoping to recoup most of the £20m they paid Sheffield United last summer.

After four years with the Blades, including two stunning Championship campaigns, Ndiaye swapped Brammall Lane for the Stade Velodrome last summer.

However, after just three goals and three assists in 19 starts and 11 substitute appearances in Ligue 1, he looks set to return to England.

Ndiaye has been very successful with the Blades, who he joined from Boreham Wood in 2019.

A breakout 2022/23 campaign saw him become a mainstay in Paul Heckingbotham’s side the following season.

His 14 goals and ten assists in the Championship secured them second place and promotion to the Premier League.

Ndiaye also helped Sheffield United pull off an FA Cup shock as his goal gave them a 1-0 fifth round win over Tottenham Hotspur.

And while they were devastated to let the player go, the Blades admitted there was nothing they could do to stop him.

“It’s his boyhood club, his dream club,” Heckingbotham said at the time.

“That’s the battle we’ve been fighting. That’s the problem. Iliman turned down huge sums of money last January to stay with us and help us get promoted, so it’s not about the money.”

But this despite the fact that the club reportedly filmed a video in which he announced that he was signing a new contract and being given the no. 10, previously worn by club legend Billy Sharp.

Everton seem intent on going about their business at the start of this season.

They have already signed Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa and secured Jack Harrison on loan from Leeds for the second consecutive season.

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