Man Utd plotting swoop for £19m Senegalese star, his club are "aware"

Manchester United have identified West Ham United left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf as a target for the summer transfer window, according to The Guardian.

The Red Devils are expected to prioritise the defensive midfield department this summer, considering Casemiro is on his way out when his contract expires on June 30.

They plan to bring in two holding midfielders, with Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson leading the shortlist. It is claimed that a new left-back could be signed if they can save funds after those signings.

Patrick Dorgu has been more successful as a wide attacking player for United, and The Guardian claim that his future could be higher up if United land a new left-back to compete with Shaw.

Diouf has now emerged as a target for the position after a fine debut campaign with West Ham.

United could make a surprise move for Diouf

The 21-year-old signed for the Hammers from Slavia Prague for £19 million last summer. He had a mixed start to the season, but he has improved defensively after adapting to the league’s intensity.

He has won four duels per game alongside four recoveries and four clearances. The Senegal international has made 1.4 tackles per outing and has also impressed with his pacey overlapping runs.

Diouf has chipped in with five assists for the Hammers from 28 league appearances. He still needs to improve with his distribution, but that should happen when he joins a more possession-based side.

The Hammers are the second-lowest in the league this campaign with just 42.5 percent possession.

West Ham are ‘aware’ of United’s interest in signing Diouf but have not set an asking price. We believe they could demand close to £40m if they manage to beat the Premier League drop.

However, the scenario could be different if they get relegated to the Championship. In that case, United could seek to land his services for a knockdown price, possibly in the region of £30m.

Diouf would be a good understudy for Shaw before replacing him in the XI in the long term. Shaw’s contract at United expires next year, but there is a 12-month option. No renewal talks have been held.

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Article written by Sri Aswin .