Brentford are close to signing West Ham United left-back Haji Diouf for around £40 million, or $54.4 million, according to The Athletic.

The 21-year-old was not included in West Ham United's squad for their 4-1 Carabao Cup second-round victory against Southampton on Tuesday, nor did he feature in their home defeat to London rivals Charlton Athletic over the weekend.

Sources familiar with the situation, who were not authorized to speak publicly and therefore requested anonymity, said that Diouf had attracted interest from three Premier League clubs, but Brentford had been the most aggressive in their pursuit of the Senegal international.

West Ham United spent £19 million to bring in Diouf last summer and are now expected to make a significant profit from him. The left-back joined from Czech side Slavia Prague, making 34 appearances and providing five assists in his debut season.

For Brentford, Diouf will be another new signing this summer, following Mamadou Sangare, Yannick Schuster, and Jayden Anthony. Brentford also signed Diouf's former West Ham United teammate Wilson on a free transfer.

Diouf has made two appearances this season in the Carabao Cup against Portsmouth and the Championship opener against Burnley. Due to uncertainty over his future, academy player Ollie Scales has been the preferred choice at left-back.

Todibo, Edson Álvarez, Cornet, and Magasa are also expected to leave West Ham before the transfer window closes on September 1. West Ham United are still looking for a left-back, center-back, and winger.

Brentford's solution to a problematic position

Brentford have pursued Diouf throughout the summer as they look to address persistent problems at left-back in recent years.

Rico Henry ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in September 2023, and a month later, Aaron Hickey suffered a hamstring injury. Hickey underwent multiple surgeries and missed the remainder of the 2023-24 season. Henry also suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee in September 2017, and both players have been inconsistent in form and fitness since.

Lewis-Potter has provided cover at left-back and scored in an opening-round victory against Tottenham, but he prefers to play as a winger.

Diouf has Premier League experience and has represented Senegal at this year's Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.

His crossing ability is one of his greatest strengths and should create plenty of chances for Ivan Toney, the team's top scorer last season. Brentford narrowly missed out on European qualification last season, and Diouf should now strengthen the team and help them push for European football this term.

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