West Ham could be ‘forced’ to sell El Hadji Malick Diouf’ after AFCON transfer mission
West Ham could be forced to accept offers for El Hadji Malick Diouf in the summer amid growing interest from their Premier League rivals.
A number of Premier League clubs are believed to have had scouts at the Africa Cup of Nations, where Diouf shone as part of Senegal’s successful campaign.
Former West Ham scout Mick Brown warned Football Insider that the Hammers will be unable to keep hold of the 21-year-old if they suffer relegation.
Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side currently sit in 18th place, five points adrift of safety, although their 2-1 win against Tottenham has helped their cause.
Clubs are believed to be keeping a close eye on West Ham as possible relegation contenders and will swoop to poach their best players if they go down.
El Hadji Malick Diouf could leave West Ham
Brown first told Football Insider in July that West Ham were advancing in talks with Diouf, as they beat a number of rival clubs to his signature.
The clubs could now be put on alert once again as the Hammers slide towards relegation, and Diouf is expected to be one of their most coveted stars.
“It’s always a huge problem when any team gets relegated,” Brown told Football Insider.
“Clubs in the Premier League are always keeping an eye on it in case they get the opportunity to come in and pick off their best players.
“A lot of the time the relegated club are forced to sell because the player wants to move on.
“West Ham are no different, and there’s going to be interest in a lot of their players if they go down. Diouf is definitely one of those players.
“He’s only come in this season, but he’s been impressive even when West Ham have struggled.
“There was a lot of interest in him before he went to West Ham, so there’s every possibility those clubs could be looking at him again.
“Plus, he’s been away at AFCON with Senegal and he’s been a success there too, where lots of Premier League clubs have had scouts watching the tournament.
“Lots of clubs are looking for a left-back, he’s showing he can perform at the top level, so West Ham might struggle to keep hold of him.”
West Ham could lose Jarrod Bowen after relegation claim
Diouf is not the only star name being linked with a move away from the London Stadium if they are unable to turn around their current situation.
Brown warned Football Insider on 10 January that West Ham could be forced to sell Jarrod Bowen if they are relegated, putting a number of top clubs on alert.
A number of clubs are believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation, including long-term admirers Liverpool and Newcastle, in case he becomes available.
The Hammers’ club captain, remains a crucial part of the starting XI but is unlikely to want to play in the Championship if bigger offers arrive.
Brown told Football Insider last month that Bowen is unlikely to leave West Ham and is keen to stick around, but that cannot be guaranteed if they are relegated.
For more West Ham and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.