Newcastle United and Everton could take advantage of contract dispute with £15m bargain

Sheffield United are reportedly facing up to the ‘nightmare scenario’ of losing Newcastle United and Everton transfer target Iliman Ndiaye in a cut-price deal during the summer.

The Senegal international joined the Blades from National League club Boreham Wood in the summer of 2019 but had to wait until just under two years later to make his debut as a late substitute in a 5-0 defeat at then-Premier League rivals Leicester City.

After slowing working his way into the Blades lineup, Ndiaye has hit fine form this season, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists in 40 appearances in all competitions as his side challenge for a return to the Premier League. Ahead of Wednesday night’s trip to Sunderland, Paul Heckingbottom’s side are sat in second place in the Championship, three points clear of Middlesbrough, but 13 adrift of runaway leaders Burnley.

Football Insider have claimed the outcome of their push for promotion will play a major role in their hopes of securing Ndiaye on a long-term deal. A reported has revealed a prolonged takeover at Bramall Lane has already caused some concern over the 23-year-old’s future - and a failure to secure a return to the top tier has led to fears the forward could have to depart in a cut-price deal as a number of Premier League clubs continue to monitor his progress.

Everton reportedly failed with a bid for Ndiaye during the January transfer window but could reignite their interest at the end of the season when the Senegal star enters the final year of his current contract. Newcastle have also been linked with a move and the report suggests a fee between £10 and £15m could be enough to persuade the Blades to part company with Ndiaye if they remain in the second tier next season.