It has not happened since 2002 that a player has made the controversial switch from one Merseyside giant to another.
Transfers between Liverpool and Everton are a rare phenomenon, which in practice has become taboo due to the historical rivalry that has divided the city in two. In fact, the last direct transfer took place 23 years ago, when Abel Xavier went to Anfield from Goodison Park in a deal worth £800,000.
Read: Mason Greenwood could have a double reunion with Manchester United colleagues
Xavier made just 21 appearances in his two years, scoring two goals, before being sold to Hannover in 96. That transition still serves as a warning today, showing players what can happen if they cross the divide.
Now, however, the rumour mill has turned up the pace, linking Liverpool to a bargain for their arch-enemy’s best striker.
Liverpool linked with Iliman Ndiaye
According to Foot Mercato, Liverpool are one of three clubs that have held initial talks about the signing of Iliman Ndiaye, after making contact with his representatives. However, it is emphasized that Everton themselves have not been contacted.
Ndiaye has been fantastic for Everton this season, with four goals and one assist, and his performances have unsurprisingly caught the attention of several elite teams across Europe.
The big Premier League clubs Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham are said to be among them, raising the possibility that Ndiaye could do the unthinkable and complete a move to Anfield.
But a source has now played down the speculation, telling TEAMtalk that Liverpool would actually be at the very back of the queue. They have also confirmed that no club has made contact regarding Ndiaye, and that Everton plan to stand firm and reject offers.
I’ve been told that there is no specific price tag set on Ndiaye, as Everton have no intention of selling him. Others, however, have suggested that it would have taken over £70 million for them to reluctantly approve a sale.
As for Ndiaye himself, it is understood that he is completely focused on helping Everton to success.
Ndiaye will never join Liverpool
Liverpool can try as much as they want, but they have very little chance of signing Ndiaye. It is an impossibility.
Their bitter rivals will be reluctant to let one of their best players go, and especially not to Anfield, and as such, they have all the cards in their hands. Ndiaye is bound by contract until 2029, and it will take a truly overwhelming bid to secure him.
Statistics: Ndiaye has made three appearances for Everton against Liverpool, scoring one goal.
Slot would be wise to focus on other, more achievable goals, such as Antoine Semenyo.
The time for Ndiaye to take the next step in his career will certainly come sooner than later, but it’s teams like Manchester City and Tottenham who have the best chances, simply because they’re not Liverpool.
David Moyes wants to keep Ndiaye
Earlier this month, David Moyes publicly addressed the speculation surrounding Ndiaye and made it clear that he wanted to keep him.
I think he’s got a three-and-a-half-year contract here, maybe more, so that’s something we’re fully aware of, and he’s playing really well. It would be wrong if teams didn’t talk about him because of his form.
Here at Everton we are building a team and we want to build with players like Ili, so we have no intention of letting him go, that’s for sure.
Read on English clubs: Shows Arsenal no longer puncture completely
