Everton are braced for a fight to keep hold of Iliman Ndiaye, with the star forward having rejected multiple new deals over the course of the season.The 26-year-old has three years remaining on his current contract and no exit clause, but Everton had been keen to reward his strong early-season form with fresh terms which would have made him become one of the club’s top earners.Talks have been ongoing since the start of the year, but no breakthrough has yet been made, with Ndiaye and his camp so far rejecting a number of offers to extend his deal.According to sources briefed on the matter, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, a point of contention is the addition of an exit clause that could be triggered as early as this summer.Everton want to protect the value of a key player and ensure they are the ones who dictate the timing or price of any potential future exit.Interest in Ndiaye is anticipated from Champions League clubs this summer, particularly if he shines at the World Cup with Senegal. But Everton’s overwhelming preference is to keep hold of the former Sheffield United and Marseille player, who managed six goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, and are in a strong position to do so given his contractual situation.The club are likely to place a prohibitive valuation, in line with the €80million Barcelona paid Newcastle United for Anthony Gordon, on Ndiaye in an attempt to deter suitors.Ndiaye has not yet actively pushed to leave and neither his commitment nor his relationship with manager David Moyes have been called into question.Part of the Senegal team that lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in January, Ndiaye arrived at Everton from Marseille for a fee of £15m in the summer of 2024. He quickly developed a reputation as one of the Premier League’s best dribblers, and has scored 17 times in 71 games across all competitions for Everton.The Merseyside club are likely to pursue at least one winger this summer and are also keen to strengthen in other positions, including right-back and central midfield. They are also likely to explore their options at left-back and up front.The Athletic reported in Tuesday’s Transfer DealSheet that they are one of the leading contenders for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, who is expected to leave the Teesside club this summer after being named Championship player of the season.