West Ham £17.2m bid would be accepted to sign El Hadji Malick Diouf
West Ham are attempting to seal a deal for Slavia Prague defender El Hadji Malick Diouf this summer.
The left-back is capable of playing as a wing-back and has impressed for both Slavia Prague and the Senegal national team, after leaving Norwegian side Tromso last year.
West Ham are in need of a left-sided defender, with Emerson Palmieri potentially on the way out at the London Stadium.
West Ham given Diouf price tag
The Hammers are preparing for their first full season under Graham Potter, after slumping to a miserable 14th last season.
There were bright spots under the Englishman, who arrived in January, such as West Ham’s wins over Arsenal and Manchester United, but it was a season to forget for the London club.
And transfer dealings so far have failed to convince fans that next season could be different.
West Ham have confirmed that Jean-Clair Todibo will stay at the club following activation of his option to buy, but concrete links elsewhere have been hard to come by.
Additionally, Mohammed Kudus could leave the club in the coming weeks, with Tottenham reportedly closing in on the Ghanaian’s signature.
The Hammers do appear to have made progress in their interest of Diouf, however.
According to Corriere della Sera on Thursday (page 10, 3 July), West Ham have been informed that they must pay £17.2million for the Senegalese defender – who is also attracting interest from AC Milan.
Diouf, 20, impressed against England recently, when the two clubs met in an international friendly.
Faced up against one of Europe’s most impressive wingers in Bukayo Saka, the full-back stuck to his task exceptionally well, getting the better of the Arsenal man on most occasions.
Senegal would go on to win the match 3-1, with Diouf drawing plaudits for his performance over the 90 minutes.
However, his defensive abilities are often overlooked for his impressive attacking talent.
The defender, playing further forward, scored seven goals and provided three assists for Slavia Prague last season, as the team from the Czech capital stormed to the league title.
Diouf could give West Ham another dimension
Diouf could provide West Ham with a dangerous threat down the left-wing, should he be paired with Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the right.
The more defensive full-back enjoyed a superb first season in claret and blue, and could drift inside to form a defensive three while Diouf drove forward.
But the Hammers must act quickly to snatch the Senegalese rising star, with other clubs likely to formulate their interest sooner rather than later.