What's next for West Ham United as Brentford make bid for El Hadji Malick Diouf

Brentford are pushing to sign West Ham United full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf.

The Hammers forked out around £19million to sign the Senegal international from Slavia Prague last summer.

The 21-year-old made 34 appearances across all competitions last season, but was unable to prevent the Irons from being relegated.

Diouf has been away at the World Cup representing Senegal, but interest could increase now the tournament is over.

West Ham have already sold Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville this summer, but interest is still being shown in several other stars.

And it appears as though their London rivals are pushing to steal a march if there is a race for Diouf's signature in the coming weeks.

Brentford make move for West Ham defender El Hadji Malick Diouf

West Ham Zone covered reports earlier this month that West Ham were expecting bids for Diouf this summer.

Diouf caught the eye in the Premier League with his ability going forward, even if there were at time concerns about his defensive ability.

And it looks now like the race for his signature could intensify, with Brentford now attempting to take him across London.

Indeed, Santi Aouna wrote for Foot Mercato that Brentford have made an initial bid to West Ham to sign Diouf this summer.

He added that discussions are ongoing between the two clubs over a possible transfer that would take Diouf to the Gtech Community Stadium.

So, what happens next for West Ham after reports of an initial bid for Brentford?

Who could replace Diouf at West Ham?

According to Aouna, Brentford are not expected to be the only club who try to sign Diouf in the coming weeks.

That could play into West Ham's favour, because if a bidding war is launched then they might be able to start an auction for Diouf's signature.

If Diouf is sold, that would leave Oliver Scarles as the only recognised senior left-back remaining at the London Stadium.

So, you would expect that a new left-back would be added to the already lengthy list of positions West Ham need to fill in the transfer window.

Sheffield United full-back Harrison Burrows has previously been named as a reported target, so that could potentially be one to keep an eye on.