West Ham Exclusive: Advanced Talks for ‘Likely’ First Signing

West Ham are said to be in advanced talks to sign Slavia Prague defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, Claret & Hugh have learnt in the early hours of this morning.

The news follows a flurry of activity surrounding the 20-year-old Senegalese defender, who was first linked with the Hammers by ExWHUEmployee.

Over the past 72 hours, it’s been established that West Ham have submitted a bid, and that Slavia Prague’s asking price is €25m.

When C&H sought clarification on whether a second offer had been submitted, we were informed that negotiations are ongoing.

A trusted transfer source told us: “They’re [West Ham] definitely talking to the club [Slavia Prague] and the player. I think they’ll get it over the line.”

When asked about the chances of the deal being completed, the source added:

“Likely. The wages won’t be a problem—it’s just down to the clubs, but they’re talking.”

Relations between West Ham and the Czech club are already well established, with Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Coufal having arrived from Slavia in previous seasons.

With multiple sources now confirming the Diouf interest, this finally feels like it could be the first real signing of the summer. That said, West Ham fans know better than most—nothing is done until it’s done.

Talk of a possible move to Atalanta seems to have quietened for now, raising hopes that the deal could soon be wrapped up.