West Ham United are reportedly closing in on another major sale with Brentford nearing an agreement to sign El Hadji Malick Diouf in a deal worth around £40million.
The Senegal international has been the subject of Premier League interest throughout the summer, but negotiations with Brentford now appear to have reached their most advanced point yet.
Senegalese outlet Wiw Sport reports that West Ham and Brentford are close to an agreement, with Diouf open to moving across London. The final details of the operation are still being completed before an announcement can follow.
West Ham close to huge Malick Diouf decision
The potential package is worth approximately £40m, which would represent a significant profit on the £19m West Ham paid Slavia Prague for Diouf last summer.
It represents another sharp twist in a transfer saga which appeared to be moving in the opposite direction only days ago.
ReadWestHam reported last week that Diouf looked increasingly likely to remain at the club after Brentford initially appeared unwilling to meet West Ham’s demands.
The situation has since changed again.
Brentford had been preparing an improved package potentially worth £40m, while ReadWestHam analysed on Monday how Ollie Scarles’ Burnley start complicated West Ham’s decision over Diouf.
Scarles started ahead of the Senegal international at Turf Moor, with Diouf introduced late in the 2-2 draw.
West Ham therefore have a potential first-choice replacement already inside Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad, although selling Diouf would significantly reduce the depth available on the left.
The financial argument will be difficult to ignore.
Diouf is only 21, but a deal around £40m would more than double West Ham’s initial investment after just one season in English football.
Wan-Bissaka is already closing in on an Aston Villa move, while Edson Álvarez and Niclas Füllkrug are also heading towards exits.
If the final details with Brentford are completed, Diouf could now become the next major name to leave Nuno’s promotion squad.
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