Chelsea are among the clubs strongly interested in Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, but their failure to qualify for European football next season has put them at a major disadvantage.
Rogers looks likely to leave Villa Park this summer following two great years with the club.
He has established himself as one of the Premier League's best, and most versatile, creative midfielders. His rise saw Thomas Tuchel include him in his final 26-man England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Therefore, it comes as little surprise to learn some of the world's biggest clubs, including champions Arsenal, all want to sign him.
For Chelsea though, a 10th place finish last season probably puts them bottom of the pile, and according to recent reports, that has led to the Blues identifying possible alternatives.
Chelsea make enquiry for Everton's Iliman Ndiaye
According to Chelsea journalist Simon Philips, the name at the top of Chelsea's list should they fail to land Rogers is Everton's Iliman Ndiaye.
The 26-year-old has been absolutely fantastic for the Toffees since he joined from Marseille in 2023. He is undoubtedly one of the country's most exciting forwards, and, like Rogers, can play from the left and the right.
And keen to lure the Senegal international to Stamford Bridge, Phillips claims Chelsea have made an initial enquiry over a summer transfer with Everton.
There is an expectation that Everton would only consider selling Ndiaye if an offer of £70 million is made; what would be a significant profit on the £15 million they paid for him three years ago.
How David Moyes feels about selling Ndiaye
Speaking about the prospect of selling Ndiaye back in April, Moyes, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo, said: “He is the last person I would consider selling.
“There are others as well [that I wouldn’t want to sell], but my point is I have no interest in hearing the talk if there is talk out there.
“I don’t think there is any club that is not a selling club at the right value for their player. I am not saying that means he is for sale, I am not, I just think it is a genuine thing where there is a price where people would say: ‘well, we have to do something.'
“But it is getting too hard to build teams and also supporters are looking for a quick return which managers are not getting. So why would we be giving up their better players?”
Since joining the Toffees, Ndiaye, who has three years left on his contract — a deal Everton would like to extend — has scored 17 goals in 71 matches in all competitions.
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