Everton are close to agreeing a deal with Marseille for former Sheffield United forward Iliman Ndiaye, talkSPORT understands.
The French giants are hoping to recoup the majority of the £20million 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 had great success with the Blades, who he joined from Boreham Wood in 2019.
A breakout campaign in 2022/23 saw him become a mainstay in Paul Heckingbotham’s team the next 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 cause an FA Cup shock as his goal gave them a 1-0 fifth round victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
And while devastated to let the player go, the Blades conceded they could do nothing to stop him.
“It’s his boyhood club, his dream club,” said Heckingbotham at the time.
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“That’s the battle we were up against. That’s the problem. Iliman turned down vast amounts of money last January to stay with us and help us get promoted so it’s not about the money.”
But that was despite the club reportedly filming a video that announced he was signing a new deal and being given the No.10 shirt, previously worn by club legend Billy Sharp.
Everton seem intent on doing their business early this season.
They have already signed Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa and secured Jack Harrison on loan from Leeds for a second consecutive season.
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