West Ham now in pole position for signing as Crystal Palace surrender bid
West Ham United are set for another massive summer transfer window after a disappointing season.
The Hammers fell well below expectations last season after major summer business, finishing 14th in a year full of of instability which included the sacking of Julen Lopetegui in January.
Graham Potter will be hoping to be backed this summer as the pressure begun to build on the Englishman towards the end of the season.
The East London side confirmed the permanent signing of Jean-Clair Todibo following his loan spell for £40million, and a second signing could be closed very soon.
Crystal Palace drop out of race for El Hadji Malick Diouf
West Ham are in hot pursuit of Slavia Prague wing-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, and have received a major boost in their race for his services.
The Sunday Mirror (page 77, 6 July) has reported that Crystal Palace have dropped out of the race to sign Diouf this summer.
The Eagles had two bids rejected for Diouf in January, but have walked away from negotiations as they target Ajax left-back Borna Sosa.
Palace withdrawing leaves West Ham as the frontrunners for Diouf’s signature, having seen a £17.25m bid turned down.
Slavia are holding out for a total package of £21.6m, with £17.25m up front, to let their star wing-back leave.
Talks continue between both clubs, with Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Atalanta also showing interest.
Diouf would bring new element to West Ham attack
West Ham are in deseperate need for some attacking support for Jarrod Bowen, with the winger being the only Hammer to reach double-figures in Premier League goals.
Diouf would bring a new dimension down the left flank, allowing Graham Potter’s side to stretch the play a lot easier with his overlapping play style.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Czech Chance Liga | 30 | 8 | 3 |
It’s a starting point on what likely needs to be a major rebuild this summer in East London.
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