West Ham United have identified Angers defender Jacques Ekomie as a potential replacement for Malick Diouf, but Wrexham have already submitted a £4.3million offer for the left-back.
The Gabon international has emerged as an option as Brentford continue pursuing Diouf, whose future remains unresolved ahead of the final days of the transfer window.
Football Insider reports that West Ham have joined the race for Ekomie, with Nuno Espírito Santo’s side considering the 23-year-old as a possible successor should Diouf depart.
Hamburg are also interested, while Angers are understood to be open to a sale because Ekomie has entered the final year of his contract.
West Ham identify Malick Diouf replacement
West Ham’s interest does not mean an agreement has been reached for Diouf.
Brentford have pursued the Senegal international throughout the summer, with previous discussions leaving a significant gap between the clubs’ valuations.
However, identifying a replacement suggests the Hammers are preparing for the possibility of losing the 21-year-old.
Diouf appeared as a substitute against Burnley before missing the squad for West Ham’s defeat to Charlton Athletic. Ollie Scarles has featured at left-back, but allowing Diouf to leave without recruiting another defender would reduce Nuno’s options.
A substantial fee for Diouf could therefore create room to strengthen elsewhere, provided the club finds a replacement at a lower price.
Wrexham submit £4.3m bid for Jacques Ekomie
West Ham may have to move quickly if Ekomie becomes their preferred target.
Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph says Wrexham have made a £4.3m bid for the Angers defender.
The offer belongs to Wrexham, not West Ham, and there is currently no confirmation that the Hammers have submitted a proposal.
Ekomie joined Angers from Bordeaux and has established himself in Ligue 1. The72 reports that he featured in 32 of Angers’ 34 league matches last season.
He is considered a more defensively focused full-back than Diouf, whose attacking delivery has attracted Premier League interest.
West Ham are also assessing other possible departures after Olympiacos submitted an €8m offer for Edson Álvarez.
For now, Ekomie is a reported target rather than an agreed signing. Whether West Ham advance their interest could depend on what happens next with Diouf.
