West Ham left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf is reportedly on the wish list of David Moyes.
The 21-year-old Senegal international has recently been linked with a move to Manchester United should West Ham suffer relegation.
But if we’re being honest, there has been very little in Diouf’s recent form to suggest he is currently ready for a move to a Champions League club.
So it perhaps comes as less of a surprise to now see him linked with Everton, with Football Insider claiming the Merseyside club could accelerate plans to sign him this summer.
The website reported: “David Moyes is keen to upgrade in both full-back positions when the window opens, and the Toffees’ recruitment team have been keeping tabs on the Senegal star.”
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West Ham Unlikely To Make Huge Profit
A fee of around £22m has been suggested, which would leave West Ham making very little profit on the £19m paid to Slavia Prague last summer.
Whilst Diouf has undoubtedly enjoyed a decent breakthrough season, he probably hasn’t yet shown enough consistency to justify a significantly bigger valuation.
From West Ham’s point of view, it would arguably make more sense to hold onto him for another year and allow him to move closer towards fulfilling his obvious potential.
El Hadji Malick Diouf
Diouf has had a decent breakout season at West Ham
Championship Could Actually Suit Diouf
There’s no doubt Diouf has improved as the season has progressed.
But he still looks vulnerable defensively at times and it would certainly be fair to say his attacking game is currently far more developed than his defensive one.
Personally, I actually think a season in the Championship could benefit both the player and the club.
Usually, I’ve no doubt he would be one of the standout players in that division.
That said, if results go against West Ham this weekend and relegation becomes reality, the club may find themselves powerless to stop Premier League sides targeting players like Diouf.