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By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X) El Hadji Malick Diouf is close to completing a big-money transfer to Brentford according to reports in France. The Hammers left-back has been left out of Nuno Espírito Santo’s starting line-ups for the opening three games of the season following rumours of a bad attitude. Nuno has instead preferred Ollie Scarles at full-back, despite the West Ham head coach previously being determined to keep Diouf at the London Stadium this summer. However, when Claret & Hugh spoke to our leading transfer source about the player, we were told in no uncertain terms: “Diouf will not play in the Championship. He wants to leave.” Brentford Closing In On Diouf French website Foot Mercato have this afternoon reported that West Ham and Brentford are close to agreeing a deal for the 21-year-old. A figure of around £35m has been suggested, which would provide a decent profit on the Senegalese full-back signed from Slavia Prague for approximately £19m a year ago. It represents quite a turnaround after reports last week suggested Brentford had gone cold on a possible deal. West Ham had previously been demanding £50m for Diouf amid interest from Sunderland, while C&H had already been informed that the player was open to leaving. Koppen Must Reinvest The Money Quite how much of the money the club will be allowed to spend on Diouf’s replacement is anyone’s guess, and understandably there is some nervousness amongst supporters given the transfer business done so far this summer. I’ve previously written that selling Diouf without having confidence in his replacement frightened the life out of me. However, circumstances appear to have changed although my confidence in us sourcing a credible replacement hasn’t. If Diouf wishes to leave and doesn’t want to play for West Ham anymore, then it’s good riddance as far as I’m concerned. What Nils Koppen must do now is reinvest the money in a fast full-back with good ability and even better potential. But time is running out.