West Ham left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf is on the verge of joining Brentford, according to reports.

Wiwsport.com claim that the Senegalese international’s move to the Gtech Community Stadium is set to be “announced” imminently.

The Bees are expected to pay €41m (£35m) up front for Diouf, with an additional €5.9m (£5m) due in performance-related add-ons.

It is believed that other Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, have been tracking the defender, but it seems like he will complete a switch across London.

Diouf’s exit has been on the cards

The 21-year-old did not start West Ham’s first league game of the season against Burnley, with Ollie Scarles taking his place in the starting eleven for the match at Turf Moor.

It looks like the Hammers were protecting Diouf from injury, although he did come on for the final five minutes of the 2-2 draw on Sunday afternoon.

The fullback only moved to English football from Czech side Slavia Prague in a deal worth £19m last July, but he quickly established himself as a regular starter on the left-hand side of defence.

Along with Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi, Diouf was one of the few players who performed well as the club were relegated from the top flight.

Will West Ham sign a replacement?

The Irons have not been linked with many left-backs in recent weeks, with Director of Player Recruitment Nils Koppen having prioritised recruiting a striker and reinforcing the midfield.

However, the focus for the final couple of weeks of the transfer window will likely switch to the defence. In addition to replacing Diouf, a new centre-back is needed.

There were hopes of bringing Disasi back to the London Stadium, but he is reportedly close to signing for a Premier League club – rumoured to be Crystal Palace.

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