West Ham United’s El Hadji Malick Diouf transfer saga has taken another twist after Brentford reopened talks over the defender, with a significant gap still reportedly separating the clubs.
Diouf appeared to be moving closer to a Premier League return on Tuesday night after reports in Senegal suggested West Ham and Brentford were nearing an agreement.
However, the latest information paints a less advanced picture.
The Standard reports that Brentford have reopened discussions with West Ham, but talks are continuing with a gulf between the clubs’ valuations.
West Ham and Brentford remain apart over Malick Diouf
Brentford have pursued Diouf throughout the summer.
An initial approach was rejected, with West Ham insisting at the time that the Senegal international was not for sale.
TalkSPORT subsequently reported that Brentford were preparing an improved package which could reach around £40million, more than the £22m plus add-ons West Ham paid Slavia Prague for Diouf last summer. (talksport.com)
ReadWestHam reported on Tuesday night that West Ham and Brentford were believed to be closing in on an agreement after Senegalese outlet Wiw Sport claimed final details were being discussed.
The Standard’s latest update therefore introduces some uncertainty over exactly how close a deal really is.
What appears clear is that Brentford’s interest remains active.
Diouf was left out of Nuno Espírito Santo’s starting XI for the opening Championship draw at Burnley, with academy graduate Ollie Scarles preferred on the left before Diouf was introduced late on.
ReadWestHam previously examined how Scarles’ emergence changes West Ham’s calculation over accepting a substantial offer for the 21-year-old.
West Ham have already agreed Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s departure to Aston Villa and allowed Niclas Füllkrug to join Werder Bremen on loan, while other senior exits remain possible.
Selling Diouf as well would generate another major fee but further reduce Nuno’s defensive depth.
For now, Brentford are back at the negotiating table.
Whether they are prepared to bridge West Ham’s valuation remains the decisive question.
Comments.
Loading comments…