West Ham United are expected to now shift their full attention to securing the signing of El Hadji Malick Diouf, while continuing their search for both a new goalkeeper and central midfielder, according to @ExWHUEmployee.
Zion Suzuki remains a target in goal, but Diouf is emerging as the immediate priority as the Hammers look to step up business in the coming days.
Diouf Transfer Battle Heats Up as Leeds Challenge West Ham
The Slavia Prague defender has been one of Graham Potter’s key defensive targets and is being strongly pushed by head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay.
West Ham had progressed talks with Slavia to the point Diouf was close to flying in for a medical, with Slavia boss Jindřich Trpišovský calling the transfer to West Ham “inevitable”. Diouf had even been pulled from training as the clubs edged closer to an agreement.
Slavia Holding Firm on £21.5m Asking Price
Slavia are understood to be demanding a fee of around £21.5 million, having turned down multiple West Ham offers of £17 million and £17.5 million.
Previously, West Ham’s Premier League status and location in London seemed to give an edge over other interested clubs, including Atalanta.
That edge could now be slipping. Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari told Hammers News that Leeds are moving aggressively to try and beat West Ham to the player’s signature, adding further pressure on the club to close out the deal quickly.
Pressure Growing on Sullivan Over Transfer Delays
David Sullivan and the board are again under fan scrutiny, with supporters frustrated by the slow pace around the deal.
If Leeds were to beat West Ham to Diouf, the backlash would be significant, especially after what has been seen as an underwhelming start to the window.
So far, only young defender Daniel Cummings has arrived from Celtic, while Mohammed Kudus has left in a high-profile £54.5 million switch to Tottenham. That sale has added to the expectation for reinvestment across the squad.
Related Article: David Sullivan Defends Kudus Transfer and Promises West Ham Reinvestment
FFP and Instalments Impact West Ham’s Transfer Budget
Although the Kudus sale brought in a big fee, West Ham may not have as much room to spend as it appears. Only £18 million of that deal is payable up front this year, with the rest spread across future instalments.
A deal for Diouf, set up over five years, would keep this year’s cost under £4 million from an accounting perspective. That has supporters questioning why the transfer hasn’t been finalised yet, especially with the need for reinforcements in multiple areas.
Related Article: West Ham Facing Urgent £40 Million Loan Deadline with Barclays
Suzuki Keeps Option Open While Midfield Remains on the Radar
Alongside the Diouf deal, @ExWHUEmployee continues to report that Zion Suzuki is on the club’s watchlist to fill the goalkeeper slot. West Ham are also actively seeking a new midfielder as part of their summer rebuild.
But right now, all focus is on Diouf. The next few days are likely to be decisive as West Ham look to either strike a deal with Slavia Prague or risk losing out to a growing list of suitors.
Interesting Read: Tim Steidten on West Ham Structure: “Like Night and Day” Compared to Leverkusen
