Brentford ‘submit’ £40m bid for Diouf, left-back call for Andrews and Lewis-Potter | OneFootball

Brentford have made an improved offer to sign West Ham left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, worth up to £40m, according to The Athletic. West Ham rejected an earlier approach and ruled out a sale this summer.

The size of the bid will test that stance as Keith Andrews seeks reinforcements. Sky Sports has reported Brentford are targeting a left-winger and a left-back.

Diouf, 21, impressed in his first Premier League season after a £22m move from Slavia Prague despite relegation. He recorded five league assists and would bring thrust on Brentford’s left.

His arrival would create a left-back call. Rico Henry tore a hamstring in March after 25 league appearances and missed the final nine. Aaron Hickey returned from long-term injury, making 21 league appearances with 15 at left-back.

Right-footed Hickey is unlikely to be the long-term option on the left, particularly with Michael Kayode the only natural right-back. Kristoffer Ajer and Keane Lewis-Potter both covered at full-back last season.

Lewis-Potter, a forward at Hull before joining in 2022, was moved to left-back by Thomas Frank in November 2024 and then played 22 straight there, starting 18. He is understood to prefer playing higher up, and Andrews has noted he inherited him as a full-back.

His attacking return has been modest, never more than three Premier League goals in four seasons, one largely at left-back. Diouf’s arrival would likely push him forward again, but Jaidon Anthony’s signing increases competition, and any continued search for a left-winger could be telling.

Source: Hounslow Herald

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