Everton accelerate plan to sign El Hadji Malick Diouf

El Hadji Malick Diouf has emerged as a leading target for Everton as he edges closer to a move away from West Ham in the summer transfer window.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a strong season at the London Stadium but is not expected to stick around if they drop into the Championship come the end of the season.

David Moyes is keen to upgrade in both full-back positions when the window opens, and the Toffees' recruitment team have been keeping tabs on the Senegal star.

Former West Ham scout Mick Brown, who worked closely alongside Moyes at the London Stadium, told Football Insider that Diouf could be an ideal target for Everton.

His crossing ability and athleticism would be seen as an upgrade on Vitaliiy Myolenko, and they could look to beat off rivals in as part of Everton's ambitious transfer plans.

Could Everton agree a deal for El Hadji Malick Diouf?

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Everton have joined the race for Diouf, with West Ham now bracing to receive offers for the left-back.

His performances in the Premier League have attracted high-profile interest from clubs both in England and across Europe in what is set to be a packed race.

Everton's ambitions of signing a new left-back have placed Diouf firmly on their radar, and there is a growing feeling he could be the perfect choice.

"Diouf would be a good fit for the way Everton play," Brown told Football Insider.

"He's done a very good job since coming into West Ham on that left-hand side, and you're right to highlight his crossing which can be so dangerous.

"At times I think he could add a bit more finesse to his game, sometimes you just want him to float a ball into the box but he fires them in like shells.

"But that comes with time and experience and he's certainly gaining that.

"It's a position Everton have been looking to strengthen in, left-back, because they feel they can upgrade on both of their full-backs at the moment.

"Seamus Coleman is leaving now so that's why they want a right-back, and Mykolenko has always done a job but you get the feeling they want to upgrade.

"Diouf would certainly be an upgrade on what they've got, and he would bring that speed, physicality, directness to the side.

"The way he plays would suit David Moyes' team very well, he could be the perfect fit, and I expect he will want to leave West Ham if they go down.

"If that happens, I expect Everton will be looking to make a move."

How do West Ham feel about selling Diouf?

West Ham look set to be forced into major sales this summer after reporting over £100million worth of losses in their latest accounts, as they need to balance the books.

Suffering relegation would further complicate their position given the loss of Premier League and TV revenue, meaning big-name players could be on their way out.

Brown warned Football Insider earlier this year that West Ham could be forced to sell Diouf alongside other stars as a result of their financial situation.

The Senegal international is seen as one of their most valuable assets, while the level of interest in his signature could see them drive the price up.

However, they will be unable to keep hold of him if they are relegated from the Premier League, with the focus now set on getting a significant fee for him.