Why Man U Manager Switch Will Not Kill Diouf Interest

West Ham United fan and The Guardian columnist Jacob Steinberg has waded into the El Hadji Malick Diouf to Manchester United transfer rumour.

Steinberg has excellent sources and is usually very well briefed when it comes to Hammers transfer matters. He has now confirmed the interest from Old Trafford in the 21-year-old left-back, who is just the latest West Ham player attracting admiring glances.

Steinberg Confirms United Interest

“West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf has emerged as a target for Manchester United as they weigh up a summer move for a left-back,” wrote Steinberg.

“United are looking at bringing in competition for Luke Shaw and are one of the clubs monitoring Diouf after his promising first campaign in English football. The Senegal international joined West Ham for €22m (£19m) from Slavia Prague and has recovered from a difficult start to become one of the side’s most important players.

“Diouf’s defending has improved during the second half of the campaign and his crossing ability has added to his attacking threat. It is unclear whether West Ham, who are battling against relegation, will listen to offers for the 21-year-old, but they are aware of United’s interest. At least one other leading Premier League club have looked at Diouf.

“It is expected they will look at their left flank if money is left over once the midfield has been addressed. Signing a left-winger is a possibility, but an alternative is bringing in a defensive player.”

Carrick Link May Not Matter

United’s interest in Diouf had been linked to caretaker boss Michael Carrick, the former West Ham midfielder.

However, it has now emerged that outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola could also be a target for the Old Trafford job.

Player	El Hadji Malick Diouf
Appearances	28
Assists	5

Diouf Interest Set To Continue

For anybody thinking that would end Manchester United’s pursuit of Diouf, they may be disappointed, because it has been suggested the club would still look to sign the West Ham left-back regardless of who gets the managerial role.

That could leave West Ham facing a serious battle to keep yet another player who has been linked with a move away from the London Stadium.