Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf targeted by Brentford in €46m move

Brentford are preparing a €46m bid for Senegalese left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf as they look to make a major move for the West Ham defender before the end of the summer transfer window.

According to talkSport, the London club are ready to make a substantial offer for the 21-year-old, whose future at West Ham remains uncertain despite beginning the new campaign with the Hammers.

Diouf was linked with several clubs before the start of the season but remained at West Ham and featured in their opening competitive fixture.

The Senegal international came on as a substitute in West Ham’s 3-1 League Cup victory over Portsmouth last weekend.

He could also feature for the Hammers in their Championship opener against Burnley on Saturday, August 16.

However, that fixture could potentially be Diouf’s final appearance for West Ham if Brentford follow through with their reported offer.

Interest from Brentford is not new. Foot Mercato previously reported concrete interest from the London club in signing the former Slavia Prague defender.

TalkSport has now reported that Brentford are prepared to take their pursuit further by submitting a €46m bid for the Senegalese international.

Such an offer would represent a significant investment from Brentford as they attempt to secure one of West Ham’s prized assets.

West Ham are understood to be open to selling Diouf, while the reported fee could also satisfy the club’s financial expectations.

The Hammers paid €22m to sign the left-back from Slavia Prague a year ago and are keen to recover twice that amount from any potential sale.

A €46m transfer would therefore represent a substantial return on the club’s initial investment.

For Brentford, the proposed deal would also place Diouf among the most expensive players in the club’s history.

If the transfer is completed at the reported figure, the Senegalese defender would become Brentford’s second most expensive signing.

Only Malian midfielder Mamadou Sangaré, who joined from Lens for €48m this summer, would have cost more.

Diouf’s situation is therefore set to be one of the issues to watch during the final stages of the summer transfer window.

The defender has already begun the campaign with West Ham, but Brentford’s reported interest could quickly change his plans.

With a €46m offer potentially on the table, the decision could now rest with West Ham as they consider whether to part ways with their Senegalese left-back.