Manchester United and Chelsea are both monitoring West Ham United left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, according to reports from TEAMtalk.
The 21-year-old has attracted serious attention after impressing during his time at the London Stadium following his arrival from Slavia Praha last summer.
Diouf recorded 10 goal contributions and kept eight clean sheets across 35 appearances in all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign.
Despite West Ham suffering relegation from the Premier League last term, Diouf showed considerable quality with five assists and six clean sheets in 32 league appearances.
His performances at club level also earned him a place in the Senegal national team, further underlining his growing reputation as one of football’s exciting young defenders.
Both Manchester United and Chelsea have expressed interest in the defender but face a significant challenge from Brentford, who have moved quickly to open contract discussions.
Brentford are reportedly prepared to match West Ham’s valuation and are ready to submit a £40m bid, including bonuses, with Diouf understood to be open to a move to the Gtech Community Stadium.
West Ham are reluctant to part with the defender, having already sold Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville this summer, making Diouf an important asset they are keen to hold onto.
Diouf is a naturally energetic left-back who is also comfortable operating as a left wing-back, offering pace, strength, delivery from wide positions, and solid defensive contributions.
Chelsea’s interest is particularly understandable given that Marc Cucurella’s departure to Real Madrid has left Jorrel Hato as the club’s primary left-back option, with Marco Palestra capable of providing cover.
Manchester United’s situation at left-back is equally pressing, with Luke Shaw entering the final year of his contract and continuing to battle persistent fitness problems throughout his career.
With Brentford having stolen a march on their Premier League rivals, it remains to be seen whether United or Chelsea will make a formal approach to secure Diouf’s services before the window closes.