El Hadji Malick Diouf played just 15 minutes of West Ham United's first competitive game of the season. He could soon be departing the Hammers for Premier League side Brentford.
TEAMtalk has reported, "Brentford are ready to launch a fresh move for West Ham United’s El Hadji Malick Diouf and are preparing a package close to £40million for the Senegal international."
Brentford are coming off a good season, finishing ninth in the Premier League and narrowly missing out on qualifying for Europe. However, they have since lost some top players, including the experienced Jordan Henderson, to Chelsea.
Diouf would likely start ahead of Rico Henry at left-back for the Bees. Henry is 29, whilst Diouf is only 21, so he could be a long-term option for Keith Andrews' side. The other senior left-back that Brentford have is Jayden Meghoma, who is just 20 and spent last season on loan at Rangers.
El Hadji Malick Diouf's form has been mixed for West Ham
On the ball and offensively, Diouf has been very good for West Ham. However, defensively, he is suspect. Hammers fans will not be too disappointed to see him go, especially as they already have Oliver Scarles. In West Ham's win over Portsmouth last weekend, it was Scarles who started at left-back.
The Hammers have recently signed Joel Veltman, who is predominantly a right-back. Veltman can play left-back, but it would be wise for them to bring in another full-back if they allow Diouf to go to Brentford.
Diouf has also been linked with Aston Villa and FC Porto recently. It appears that Brentford are the side that is trying the hardest to sign him right now. Villa also already has Netherlands international Ian Maatsen as their right-back.
Moving to Porto would mean joining the Portuguese title winners and playing in the Champions League. However, it would be wise for Diouf to stay in English football.
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