El Hadji Malick Diouf: West Ham issue transfer warning after rejecting Brentford bid | OneFootball

Bees have seen attempts to sign West Ham left-back rejected

Standard Sport understands that West Ham have no intention of selling the 21-year-old left-back after raising almost £150million through the sales of Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville.

West Ham had been in need of player sales following their relegation to the Championship, but after negotiating sizeable fees for Fernandes and Summerville they are now determined to keep the bulk of their squad together.

Malick Diouf enjoyed an encouraging debut season at West Ham, providing five assists in 32 Premier League appearances last term.

The Senegal international’s crossing ability caught the eye and he is now subject to interest from Brentford as they look to provide long-term competition to Rico Henry at left-back.

Henry has continually struggled for fitness since returning from a long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury, the second of his career, and made just 25 Premier League appearances last season.

Staying put: El Hadji Malick Diouf

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The 28-year-old missed the last nine games of the season with a hamstring injury, which meant winger Keane Lewis-Potter had to fill in at left-back.

Lewis-Potter has proven an able deputy at left-back but it is not his natural position and he has previously said he does not see himself playing there for the rest of his career.

Right-back Aaron Hickey can also play on the left but he too has struggled with injuries, leaving Brentford light on options to cover for Henry.