The ongoing saga between West Ham United and Slavia Prague over Senegal international [El Hadji Malick-Diouf](https://www.claretandhugh.info/slavia-prague-slam-west-ham-over-diouf-transfer-delay/) rumbles on. The Czech side have publicly announced they want a minimum of €25m (£21-£22m) to part ways with the young left back who only joined them a year ago for £2.1m from Tromso.
Crystal Palace made two bids for the player during the January transfer window – €15m and €17m – but both offers were rejected. As a result they decided not to pursue the player any further. Slavia made it clear at the time that they wanted a minimum of €20m.
Now, their asking price has increased by a further €5m – largely based on a strong season and an outstanding performance in Senegal’s recent 3-1 win against England.
The President of Slavia Prague, Jaroslav Tvrdik commented in January “Fifteen and Seventeen million Euros. These are not the amounts we want. We quite consciously put a high price tag on him.” He however went onto say that they would cash in at the same price rage if Liverpool came in for him. Indeed The Reds did reportedly make an enquiry yet while the players data placed him in the 95th percentile for aerial duels, his positional discipline and decision making in defensive situations raised some concerns. Also the player would be unavailable during the African Cup of Nations so would miss valuable playing time.
Diouf also cast doubts that he would be a first team starter at Anfield and said “Would I play for Liverpool? Would I fit in there? For me it is essential I don’t stop. I need to play.”
West Ham have had a bid of around £17m rejected which is approximately €19m. Reports this morning suggest both clubs are still locked in talks.
Another option being explored by West Ham is Girona player Arnau Martinez who has a €15m release clause, the logic being he can play on the right which would mean moving Wan-Bissaka to the left side with Scarles also in contention for a spot.