West Ham United have reportedly rejected an offer from Sunderland for El Hadji Malick Diouf, adding another twist to the defender’s future after Brentford stepped up their pursuit earlier on Tuesday.
ReadWestHam reported earlier that West Ham are now seriously considering Diouf’s departure, with Brentford preparing a package worth up to £40million for the Senegal international.
Sunderland have now made their own move, but their opening proposal has not been enough.
West Ham set £50m Malick Diouf transfer price
Senegalese journalist Khadim Diakhaté reports that Sunderland have submitted an offer for Diouf, which West Ham considered too low. The Hammers are said to be asking for £50m, although Diakhaté suggests an agreement could potentially be reached for between £40m and £45m.
That could strengthen West Ham’s position considerably.
Brentford are already preparing an improved offer worth £35m guaranteed plus another £5m in add-ons, while Diouf is reportedly keen on returning to the Premier League. Sunderland’s arrival gives the Hammers another interested club at a point when they appear increasingly open to selling the 21-year-old.
Diouf joined West Ham from Slavia Prague last summer and went on to make 30 Premier League appearances during his first campaign in east London. West Ham had initially been reluctant to sanction another significant departure following relegation, but their stance has softened as interest has grown.
Nuno Espírito Santo will not want the situation to drag on with Sunday’s Championship opener against Burnley approaching. However, two Premier League clubs now competing for Diouf could leave West Ham in a stronger negotiating position than they appeared to occupy only a few days ago.
If either Brentford or Sunderland moves towards the Hammers’ valuation, Diouf’s future could soon become one of the biggest decisions remaining in West Ham’s summer window.
