West Ham United are now confident they can get a deal for an "explosive" midfielder over the line, having identified him as a key target, according to a report.
West Ham closing in on El Hadji Malick Diouf
With long-serving left-back Aaron Cresswell departing upon the expiration of his contract, one of Graham Potter's main tasks this summer will be to bring in a new left-back, and the deal for Slavia Prague's El Hadji Malick Diouf is now edging closer to completion.
Should the medical go smoothly, the Slavia Prague defender is set to become the Hammers' first signing of the summer, but he is unlikely to be the last, given that Mohammed Kudus' departure has left a major gap in the squad.
With Tottenham Hotspur shelling out £55m on Kudus, the Irons should have ample funds to bring in a new attacking midfielder, and they are now eyeing an ambitious move for Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, who could be available for around £40m this summer.
That is according to a report from The Guardian, which states West Ham are optimistic and believe that a deal will be possible, although there could be competition for the Englishman's signature from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
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The Hammers have opened negotiations to sign a "phenomenal" player.
The 22-year-old has been identified as a key target for the Hammers, as Potter is looking to freshen up his squad with younger players this summer, having been forced to work with the oldest squad in the Premier League last season.
"Explosive" Elliott could be coup for West Ham
Back in June, the Liverpool ace made it clear he may have to think about leaving the Reds this summer, given that he has never really managed to solidify his place as a regular starter.
As such, a move to the London Stadium could make perfect sense, and the maestro's performances at international level showcase what he could be capable of if Potter were to give him a consistent run in the starting XI.
England's Harvey Elliott and England's Jay Stansfield celebrate after the match as Germany's Rocco Reitz looks dejected
The London-born midfielder scored five goals for England U21s en-route to their U21 European Championships triumph back in June, maintaining a fantastic record in front of goal over the past year.
Statistic Average per 90
Non-penalty goals 0.66 (99th percentile)
Assists 0.33 (86th percentile)
Progressive passes 8.80 (98th percentile)
As such, Elliott, who has been lauded as "explosive" by Arne Slot, could be a fantastic addition to the West Ham squad, and it is promising news that they believe he may be tempted by a move to the London Stadium.