Brentford are set to launch an improved offer bid for West Ham star El Hadji Malick Diouf, talkSPORT understands.
This deal, which could be worth as much as £40million comes after the Bees previously had an undisclosed bid rejected for the left-back, with the Hammers insisting he would not be sold.
Diouf was one of the Irons’ standout performers last season, as they were ultimately relegated to the Championship.
The Senegal international impressed in his debut campaign in the Premier League after joining in a £22m deal plus add-ons from Slavia Prague.
This led to him being linked with a summer exit, with Manchester United showing an interest back in April.
Brentford to bid again
Brentford joined the race for Diouf in July by putting in an offer, only for West Ham appearing to shut down any possible departure by insisting he would not be sold.
But now, with just days until their Championship season opener against Burnley, their resolve will be tested again.
The Bees are understood to be launching a deal worth up to £40m to bring the 21-year-old to west London.
It represents another big-money move for Keith Andrews’ side this summer, who recently smashed their club transfer record with the arrival of Mamadou Sangare from Lens.
While the exact fee was undisclosed, Brentford said it surpasses the £42.5m paid to sign Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth in 2025.
And if Diouf’s deal goes through this would place him high up in the club’s all-time transfer list.
The Senegalese could be set for an immediate return to the Premier League, as he becomes the second player to head to the Gtech Community Stadium after leaving West Ham.
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Callum Wilson also moved to west London on a one-year deal following the expiry of his contract at the London Stadium.
Diouf’s potential arrival would represent a much-needed addition at left-back for Brentford.
While Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey are both specialists in the position, the pair have struggled with injuries in recent years.
Scotland international Hickey spent almost two years out with a hamstring problem before returning last October.
Meanwhile Henry is currently out with a hamstring issue, after making 25 Premier League appearances last term following his return from an ACL injury.
In their place, winger Keane Lewis-Potter has deputised well, but could now return to his natural position should Diouf’s move go through as expected.
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West Ham’s summer transfers exodus
West Ham are now set to lose another key player as Diouf could leave, despite their previous not-for-sale stance.
Earlier this summer, Mateus Fernandes joined rivals Tottenham in a £85m deal, before Crysencio Summerville signed for Saudi outfit Al Hilal for £68m.
The Hammers recouped £153m from the two departures, and was thought to leave them under no obligation to more offload players.
In-demand captain Jarrod Bowen penned a new contract with the club in a major boost, as he prepares to spearhead their promotion charge in the upcoming Championship season.
However, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were dealt a fresh blow when academy graduate Freddie Potts completed a £10m move to Belgian side Club Brugge.
And with Irons set to kick off their season against Burnley on Sunday, they also look set to be without Diouf for the Turf Moor clash.
