West Ham United will reportedly look to beat Crystal Palace and Leeds United to 20-year-old Slavia Praha left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Give Me Sport, El Hadji Malick Diouf is the subject of interest from West Ham United. The Hammers have already failed with a bid to sign the Slavia Praha left-back in the summer transfer window, and they are ready to return with an improved offer. Meanwhile, the Senegalese international is also a target for Crystal Palace and Leeds United.

The recent rise of El Hadji Malick Diouf

El Hadji Malick Diouf is the latest highly-rated prospect from his homeland to rise in prominence. The youngster spent his formative years in Senegal and graduated from the youth division at the Mawade Wade Academy before moving to Europe in February 2023. He has been with Slavia Praha since January 2024 and has come leaps and bounds in the last 18 months.

Diouf has turned out 50 times thus far for Slavia Praha while chipping in with nine goals and four assists. Meanwhile, the 20-year-old full-back has also broken into his national squad, and his progress has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and West Ham United are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.

A man in demand

Crystal Palace’s continued interest in the Senegalese international is perplexing, considering Borna Sosa has arrived from Ajax this week. So, it is unclear how Diouf will fit into the scheme of things at the London Stadium. However, the youngster remains a target for West Ham United this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds United’s interest in El Hadji Malick Diouf is understandable. The Whites have parted ways with Junior Firpo as a free agent this summer, prompting them to explore the market for a new left-back. So, the Slavia Praha whizkid has emerged as a viable target for the newly promoted Premier League club.

As for West Ham United, Aaron Cresswell has departed from the London Stadium this summer. In addition, Emerson Palmieri faces an uncertain future, leaving Oliver Scarles as the only recognised left-back in the first-team squad. So, Diouf is an option worth considering, with West Ham ready to submit an improved bid after failing with an initial offer worth £17 million.

Meanwhile, the 20-year-old Senegalese international is keen on joining West Ham United in the summer transfer window. So, the East London outfit will hope to beat Crystal Palace and Leeds United to Diouf’s signature with the new proposal.