news-engine

Having been absent from the match day squad yesterday – and with just a couple of minutes under his belt this season – there’s very evidently something afoot over the future of West Ham’s first choice left back El Hadji Malick Diouf. Late back into pre-season after his World Cup with Senegal, the twenty one year old has been rumoured to be the subject of Premier League interest and yet just a week ago well connected sources rubbished claims of offers being made. Brentford were deemed “content with their current left‑back options Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey and Keane Lewis‑Potter and are instead expected to loan out young prospect Jayden Meghoma rather than pursue Diouf” by journalist Dom Smith. However, today’s footballinsider throws a very different take on Diouf’s situation, claiming that the Bees are back in town: “Sources: Brentford submitting improved new West Ham offer: Brentford are preparing to place an improved £37million bid for West Ham United defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, sources have told Football Insider. The Bees have seen their last three offers rejected for the Hammers left-back as they look to secure his signature before the transfer window closes.” West Ham fans, deflated and dispirited lot that we are following yesterdays’ poor performance against Charlton, will all ask the same questions – will the significant funds generated from Diouf’s sale be re-invested in the squad? And will Nils Koppen have time to bring in a Diouf replacement since Ollie Scarles, on current showing, isn’t gelling with Nuno’s preferred playing style. Otherwise, selling Diouf – and further weakening West Ham’s squad makes no sense, at any price.