Man Utd's Everton Wishlist: Garner Deal Dead, But Ndiaye Battle Heats Up with Liverpool Lurking

Picture this: you're at the pub, pint in hand, and your mate starts rabbiting on about Manchester United eyeing up a couple of Everton lads. Sounds like transfer window madness, right? Well, strap in, because the Red Devils are dreaming big, but reality might just give them a slap.

Garner's Old Trafford Homecoming? Not This Summer

Remember James Garner? The midfielder Man Utd shipped out back in 2022, only for him to boss it at Goodison Park. The 25-year-old's turned into Everton's defensive rock – winning balls like a hoover, intercepting passes, and barking orders at set-pieces like a proper captain.

United's scouts have been drooling over his tactical nous, especially how he sorts the backline. INEOS, the co-owners, got the full report: Garner's a 'top performer' in possession battles and just what United need in transitions. But here's the kicker – Everton locked him down with a new deal until 2030. As Harry Watkinson from TEAMtalk reported back in December 2025, the Toffees were always confident, and now a summer 2026 swoop looks about as likely as snow in July.

It's a shame, really. Garner could've been that homecoming story to warm the cockles. Instead, United fans are left nursing their sorrows.

Ndiaye: The Winger Everyone Wants

Fear not, though – there's another Everton gem in Iliman Ndiaye that's got the big boys salivating. Graeme Bailey, TEAMtalk's transfer guru, dishes the dirt: United see the Senegalese speedster as the perfect versatile forward to replace Joshua Zirkzee, who's probably offski at season's end.

Ndiaye's direct, creative, and can play anywhere up top – ideal for United's attacking woes. But plot twist: Liverpool are sniffing around too! Despite the Merseyside derby hatred, the Reds are plotting a controversial raid, especially with Mohamed Salah waving goodbye after nine epic years.

Sources say Liverpool's been tracking Ndiaye since early season, eyeing him as a right-sided option post-Salah. They've hit brick walls with stars like Michael Olise, Desire Doue, and Bradley Barcola – all 'not for sale'. Now, attainable targets like Ndiaye, Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, and Juventus' Francisco Conceicao are in the mix. Everton? They're digging heels in, planning contract talks, but if United snag Champions League footy, their chequebook might just talk loudest.

It's like a bizarre love triangle: United, Liverpool, and Everton all pulling at the same thread. Ndiaye must be chuckling into his cornflakes.

Rashford, Casemiro, and a Speedster Boost

While the Everton saga bubbles, United have other irons in the fire. Marcus Rashford's loan at Barcelona? Club's made a call on his future – details sketchy, but expect fireworks. Fabrizio Romano chimes in on Casemiro potentially heading back to Real Madrid – slim chances, mind.

And get this: Liverpool might've stepped back from chasing an award-winning speedster, paving the way for United. Transfer window's shaping up to be a right rollercoaster.

As Subhankar Mondal at TEAMtalk notes, with Salah's Anfield exit confirmed, the scramble for wing wizards is on. United fans, keep the faith – or at least the pints flowing. Who lands Ndiaye? We'll be watching like hawks.