Manchester United’s pursuit of El Hadji Malick Diouf has taken a sharp twist as a European rival has entered the race for the West Ham full-back, according to a new report.
Competition for Shaw
Initially, it was understood that United would target a new left-winger this summer. The leading candidates are Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig) and Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), while Mateus Mane (Wolves) has been identified as a cheaper alternative.
However, a combination of the price of the two frontrunners, with both Leipzig and Villa demanding up to £100m for their prized assets, and the form of Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu has seen plans change.
With Dorgu thriving further forward, Luke Shaw is left as the only senior left-back in Michael Carrick’s squad. While the 30-year-old has enjoyed an injury-free campaign, he will need support with the increased workload of European football next season.
This has led United to prioritise a full-back over a winger on this flank, with Lewis Hall (Newcastle) and Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal) the primary targets. However, neither player will be available cheaply, if at all – particularly to a direct rival.
As such, Diouf – West Ham’s 21-year-old juggernaut – has emerged as another option on the radar, with relegation forcing the Hammers to consider a fire sale ahead of their descent into the Championship.
Triple Raid on East London
United are understood to see the Senegal international, who thrived at the Africa Cup of Nations over Christmas, as having the “perfect profile” due to his “attacking prowess”.
Five assists in a maiden campaign in England, despite playing for a defensive side languishing at the foot of the table, are a testament to this. His whipped deliveries into the box already rank among the best in the Premier League.
Possessing a powerful 6’0″ frame and excellent mobility, Diouf is a force to be reckoned with when in full flight. There are issues with positioning and lapses in concentration to iron out, but these are understandable for a young defender.
Senegalese outlet Senego confirms United have “expressed interest” in signing the Dakar native.
However, Portuguese champions Porto, who boast one of the meanest defences in all of Europe, have now entered the race. The Dragons are said to be “trying to take advantage of West Ham’s relegation to make progress on this deal during the summer.”
United are also interested in two of Diouf’s teammates, Mateus Fernandes and Jarrod Bowen. This sets up the potential for a blockbuster triple raid on the London Stadium, though a deal for Fernandes is understood to be the most advanced as talks are already underway held for the 21-year-old midfielder.
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