Brentford ready £40m El Hadji Malick Diouf raid as West Ham face major transfer dilemma

Brentford are preparing a fresh bid for West Ham United defender El Hadji Malick Diouf and are ready to put together a package worth close to £40 million, according to TEAMtalk.

The Bees previously approached West Ham over the 21-year-old earlier this summer but are now ready to return with a significantly stronger proposal as they step up their efforts to secure his signature.

Brentford are understood to be preparing an offer of around £35 million upfront, with additional performance-related payments potentially taking the total value of the deal towards £40 million.

The proposed package would meet West Ham’s valuation of the Senegal international and could force the London club into a difficult decision over one of their most promising young players.

Diouf attracting Premier League giants

Diouf’s impressive first campaign in English football has significantly enhanced his reputation, with his performances attracting attention from several of the Premier League’s leading clubs.

Manchester United and Chelsea have both been monitoring the Senegal international after being impressed by his rapid development since his move from Slavia Prague.

Despite that growing interest, Brentford are currently positioning themselves as the club most determined to turn their admiration into a concrete transfer.

Talks are already ongoing, although the Bees have yet to submit an official offer as they continue working on the structure of their proposal.

West Ham have consistently maintained that they do not want to part ways with Diouf after signing him for around £19 million just 12 months ago.

However, the player is reportedly keen on a move and would be open to joining Brentford if an agreement can be reached between the clubs.

West Ham could almost double their money

A successful deal would represent a substantial financial return for West Ham, who could potentially double their initial investment in Diouf after just one season in east London.

The Hammers had been determined to retain the left-back, particularly after allowing Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville to leave during the summer.

Brentford, though, remain unwilling to abandon their pursuit and are preparing an offer designed to test West Ham’s resolve.

The Bees have already enjoyed an aggressive transfer window, breaking their club record to sign Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare.

They have also recruited Jannik Schuster from Red Bull Salzburg, Jaidon Anthony from Burnley and former Newcastle striker Callum Wilson.

Adding Diouf would underline Brentford’s ambition as they continue to reshape their squad.

West Ham, meanwhile, are also pursuing further reinforcements, having signed Manor Solomon from Tottenham Hotspur and continued their attempts to land Reiss Nelson from Arsenal.

They are also pushing to convince Troy Parrott to return to England from AZ Alkmaar.