West Ham expect 'auction' for El Hadji Malick Diouf, Everton to join transfer race
West Ham United could have multiple offers for El Hadji Malick Diouf this summer, according to Keith Wyness.
The former Everton chief executive, talking to Football Insider, is backing the Toffees to join Manchester United in the race to sign the 21-year-old.
Diouf could be part of a fire sale at West Ham if the London club suffer Premier League relegation, with Man United having already expressed their interest in the defender.
Man United want to strengthen their squad ahead of a return to the Champions League, and Diouf could provide competition, and potentially become the successor, to 30-year-old Luke Shaw.
West Ham could be open to offers on their star players this summer due to their financial position even if they remain in the Premier League, in a boost to their rivals looking to sign Diouf.
Expert reveals a 'number of clubs' are keeping tabs on El Hadji Malick Diouf
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs - believes West Ham would be reluctant to let Diouf leave if they remained in the top flight.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks it is currently unclear where Diouf will be playing his football next season.
| Games Started | 28 |
| Duels Won | 53.7% |
| Aerial Duels Won | 55% |
| Tackles | 42 |
| Penalties Conceded | 2 |
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I know that's one area that even Everton have had thoughts as well about, because that's a position that they would look to strengthen.
"So there'll be a number of clubs looking at Diouf just now. I don't think Man United is in any way nailed on for him at all. There'll be quite an auction.
"West Ham won't be able to keep him if they go down. If they stay up they'll do all they can to keep him. He's a quality player, and he's done very well for them this year, but it's going to be quite open as to where he's going to end up.”
West Ham set their price on Man United target
Man United could also make a move to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer, who is another star expected to leave the London Stadium, if the club suffer relegation.
Sources have told Football Insider that West Ham have set a price tag of £84million on Fernandes, with Manchester City having also registered their interest in the 21-year-old previously.
West Ham will be holding out for the highest price to sell Fernandes to aid their finances, and make a healthy profit on the player.
The Hammers paid Southampton £42m to bring Fernandes to the London Stadium last summer, where he has been one of the club's most consistent performers in a difficult campaign.