West Ham are reportedly on the verge of a record-breaking transfer deal, with a trusted confidant of David Sullivan offering a fresh update overnight.
It marks a significant moment in what has been a frustrating window so far for the Hammers.
Over a month on from the extended summer transfer window opening, West Ham are on the verge of their first major signing.
That’s according to a report from a leading outlet overnight.
Now West Ham on verge of record-breaking deal
Graham Potter and head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay have been bystanders in the transfer window so far because of West Ham’s financial situation.
The Hammers board have been making it clear the club is in a sell to buy situation since before the January window.
But West Ham have insisted bids could be made once the club were sure certain players would be sold.
Given increasing interest and official bids for Mohammed Kudus, it seems the Hammers are now comfortable committing some money to signings.
West Ham head coach Graham Potter embraces Mohammed Kudus
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
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Potter pledged to rebuild West Ham around young, athletic and dynamic players.
Although West Ham are yet to make any major signings, the vast majority of links are players fitting that profile.
Another big factor in West Ham’s transfer strategy is targeting players who are in the last two years of their contracts in the hope of more affordable deals.
Potter wants at least one new striker, a couple of midfielders, a left-back, a centre-back and a goalkeeper this summer.
Major development for first Hammers signing
Now West Ham are on the verge of a record-breaking deal as a David Sullivan confidant delivers an update.
West Ham’s transfer window burst into life with confirmation the club had made an official bid for Slavia Prague and Senegal star El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Hammers had seen an initial proposal rejected for Diouf, who shone in Senegal’s superb 3-1 win over England recently.
West Ham offered around £17.5m for the 20-year-old but Slavia have reportedly been pushing for over £20m.
There was an intriguing development in the Diouf bid yesterday.
El Hadji Malick Diouf playing for Slavia Prague in the Europa League
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
West Ham ‘closing’ on new Czech record deal for Diouf
David Sullivan confidant delivers update
An ex Slavia Prague footballer who is friends with Tomas Soucek claimed West Ham were closing on signing Diouf.
In a series of social posts Jiri Sodoma stated ‘agent’ Soucek had been key to the deal with his old club.
Now leading Czech media outlet Denik iSport has delivered an exciting update for Hammers fans.
The site claims the ‘long-awaited transfer of El Hadji Malick Diouf will soon become a reality’.
“According to sources from the newspaper Sport, the deal with West Ham United is in the final stages, with up to 25 million euros (£21.5m) expected to flow into Eden, including potential bonuses,” iSport states.
That is seriously exciting news for West Ham and Potter.
Sullivan confidant delivers update on Diouf situation
And if the Hammers are paying £21.5m – it is a new record for the most expensive transfer in Czech league history.
The deal would beat the £13.5m West Ham paid the same club for Soucek, which was also the same amount Spurs paid Slavia Prague for goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.
It wouldn’t be a West Ham transfer with some element of doubt cast over a promising situation, though.
And Sean Whetstone, a close ally of Hammers majority owner Sullivan – who has reprised his role as de facto director of football – has done just that overnight.
In a late night update after the news broke in the Czech Republic, Whetstone urged caution for the time being.
“A deal for El Hadji Malick Diouf has NOT yet been agreed by West Ham but he is highly rated by the club,” Whetstone stated.
West Ham fans are particularly excited about signing Diouf having watched his magnificent display against England, where his pace, skill and superb crossing ability were showcased.
There was even one moment where Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke could not stop Diouf as he rampaged up the left side.