With **West Ham** looking primed to complete a deal for El Hadji Malick Diouf, it probably doesn’t matter too much who the back-up option is.
If the Hammers can finalise an agreement with Slavia Prague for their young wing-back in the coming hours, it will leave the club’s left defensive flank nicely covered.
However, Irons insider ExWHUEmployee has revealed that Frankfurt’s young German full-back Nathaniel Brown remains very much a target should the Diouf deal fall through.
The 22-year-old Brown is a decent player, and it’s not the first time West Ham have been linked with him.
But if things go to plan, Graham Potter should soon have 20-year-old Diouf and Ollie Scarles battling it out for the left wing-back role next season. [Claret & Hugh](https://www.claretandhugh.info/category/news/) were informed months ago there were big plans for Scarles this season. And even though the new Hammers kit wasn’t to everyone’s taste, it was good to see the West Ham youngster featuring so prominently in the reveal.
Emerson is expected to leave the [London Stadium](https://www.claretandhugh.info/london-stadium-bio/) shortly—but the truth is, his exit was already in motion. Former boss Julen Lopetegui used him sparingly, and Potter immediately gave Scarles the nod ahead of the Italian international.
The fact that West Ham have moved early to secure cover on the left side of defence—before addressing midfield or striker options—tells you everything you need to know about how crucial that position is to Potter’s system.
With growing confidence that the Diouf transfer will soon be completed, the Hammers can finally shift their focus to other key areas.