Iliman Ndiaye set for Sheffield United stay in transfer blow to Marseille

Sheffield United star striker Iliman Ndiaye is set to remain at Bramall Lane this summer despite concrete interest from Olympique Marseille.

That’s according to RMC Sport reporter Fabrice Hawkins, who claims the Blades are on the verge of convincing Ndiaye to remain at the club beyond this summer.

Ndiaye was close to joining Marseille, having agreed to a five-year deal with the French giants, but both clubs failed to see eye-to-eye on a transfer fee.

The potential transfer has now fallen through amid reports that United have offered the 23-year-old a project where he will be the central figure at the club.

The Blades are still trying to convince the versatile Senegalese forward to sign a contract extension, with his existing deal set to expire at the end of next season.

While that is still in the works, Ndiaye will remain at Bramall Lane for the coming season. He is reportedly favouring stability, having recently become a father.

Ndiaye played a prominent role in United’s promotional campaign, registering 14 goals and 12 assists in the Championship, which caught the attention of several clubs.

Marseille were leading the race to capture his signature, but a return to his boyhood club will have to wait, with Ndiaye keen to test himself in the Premier League.

The France-born forward will be looking to make his mark in the English top flight and continue playing in a set-up that fully displays his hugely impressive qualities.

The latest development will come as a huge blow to Marseille, who are in the market for a new striker after losing Alexis Sanchez following the expiration of his contract.

Marseille have now switched their attention to Chelsea’s wantaway striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. But several obstacles are preventing them from finalising the transfer, including the player’s wages.

They are still in talks with Chelsea, who are determined to recoup a fee for Aubameyang, but the player must take a substantial pay cut for the transfer to go through.