El Hadji Malick Diouf is one of many players set to depart West Ham United this summer. However, the Hammers could sign Harrison Burrows from Sheffield United to replace him at left back.
Football League World has reported that "West Ham are plotting a move to sign Harrison Burrows ahead of the window, with the Blades' left-back viewed by key decision-makers in E20 as an ideal replacement for El Hadji Malick Diouf in the event of his expected departure."
Diouf impressed for West Ham this season, notably on the ball as his defensive duties were often suspect. In 32 Premier League games, he did not score but provided five assists. He was regularly able to whip crosses into the box. However, it was a shame that West Ham did not have a standout center-forward to head them in.
The left-back is also a Senegal international who won the Africa Cup of Nations this year. However, his country was stripped of the title. Despite being just 21, Diouf already has 18 caps for his country and is a part of their roster for the World Cup.
Diouf has been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and FC Porto. With the Hammers now relegated to the Championship, he will likely leave the club.
Who is Harrison Burrows?
West Ham needs to prepare for life in the Championship by signing top players with experience in the division. Burrows played 44 times for Sheffield United in the Championship this season, scoring five times and providing four assists. He even scored the winner against city rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
Burrows' Sheffield United side finished 13th in the division, which was 13 points off the playoff places. The player will have ambitions of playing in the Premier League, and he stands a better chance of getting promoted if he joins West Ham.
He is predominantly a left-back, but he can also play left and central midfield. At just 24, he could be a long-term option for the Hammers. Before joining Sheffield United, Burrows played for Peterborough United in League One. He also won the EFL Trophy with the Posh.
If Diouf goes, then that will leave the Hammers with just Ollie Scarles at left-back. However, Scarles is only 20 and lacks first-team experience. Burrows would no doubt be West Ham's first choice left-back if he were to replace Diouf.
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