(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media, Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 10 May 2026 8:00, UK

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West Ham United are set to demand a “big fee” from Manchester United to allow left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf to leave this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Red Devils have identified the 21-year-old as a key target in their search for a new left-back this summer, but the Hammers remain “confident” of keeping the starlet if they stay in the Premier League.

The East Londoners are not willing to give up the Senegal international without a fierce fight, but sources say that it is likely to prove futile if they suffer relegation to the Championship.

Diouf has notched five assists from 28 games in the Premier League this term, as he has become a key figure for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

West Ham’s transfer plans are set to be dictated heavily by which league they end up in next term, but keeping hold of Diouf will be one of their top priorities.

West Ham to see El Hadji Malick Diouf situation replicated

West Ham have breathed new life into their campaign in recent months, but their defeat away at Brentford last time out could prove to be very damaging.

The Hammers are back inside the relegation zone ahead of the final three games of the season, and they face a difficult run-in with games against Arsenal, Newcastle and Leeds.

Nuno’s men remain firmly in trouble in the final stages of the relegation battle, and finishing on the wrong side of the dotted line would see the Diouf situation replicated elsewhere in the squad.

The likes of Jarrod Bowen and Mateus Fernandes are already subject to plenty of interest from elsewhere, and it is expected that West Ham could see an exodus of their key stars if they go down.

The Hammers will make it difficult for United to seal a move for Diouf this summer if they stay up, but the Red Devils are ready to capitalise if they go down.

Nuno’s future clear if Hammers go down

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Nuno has no plans to leave West Ham if they are relegated at the end of the season, while the club are also content with the work he has done.

The Portuguese is said to be “unfazed” by the possibility of managing in the Championship again next term, having previously won the division during his time at Wolves.

The West Ham board remain fully behind the 52-year-old at the moment, and sources suggest their stance will not change if the worst happens in the coming weeks.

Nuno is under contract at the London Stadium until the summer of 2028, and he is still seen as the best man for the job long-term by the club hierarchy.

He has overseen an impressive turnaround in East London in recent months, and he will be hoping to end with a favourable outcome at the end of the campaign.