El Hadji Malick Diouf transfer confusion emerges as West Ham exit 'close'

El Hadji Malick Diouf's future is still not settled at West Ham.

The Senegal defender has been attracting attention this summer, but so far an exit is yet to materialise.

Brentford have been heavily linked with a transfer for the 21-year-old, and had an offer rejected earlier in the window.

They were reportedly set to return with a £40million approach, but there has been no progress on that front.

As it stands, Diouf is still a Hammers player, but he has not featured so far this season, missing out at Southampton on Tuesday, too.

Now, there is conflicting reports over whether a departure is close for the young left-back.

What are the conflicting reports on El Hadji Malick Diouf's West Ham exit?

Diouf's future at the London Stadium continues to be the subject of differing reports and rumours

French journalist Santi Aouna claimed on Tuesday that a deal was close between the Irons and the Bees.

Aouna reported that the clubs were on the verge of an agreement, and the final details were to be settled.

However, Sky Sports' Lyall Thomas claimed just two hours later that Keith Andrews' side are back in talks, hopeful of reaching a deal.

He shared nothing about an agreement, but they are not desperate and will not overpay for the defender.

All that the reports do is create confusion on whether his exit is imminent or not.

Why West Ham should be trying to avoid Diouf exit

Nuno Espirito Santo should be doing everything that he can to keep Diouf, as he rates his very highly

Speaking in November 2025 before the contest with Burnley, he said: "He's a beautiful boy, someone really special.

"He's so sensitive. I think he's living a dream. A lot of things to improve, a lot of talent, physicality, something really special.

"It's like a diamond you have to polish."

That diamond should be developing in Rush Green, rather than somewhere else.

He is a better option than Ollie Scarles and if they can keep him until after the window closes, he can be re-integrated into the side, if he apologises to the manager and his teammates for how he has handled the situation.

Nuno and the hierarchy can't bow to the pressure, as they are not under financial stress anymore after the sales of several high-profile stars, so they do not have to sell another prized asset.

Diouf should be a Hammer for the 2026-27 campaign, and if they have to, then insert a clause like the one in Jarrod Bowen's new deal, where he can leave should they fail to get promotion.