Brentford are expected to submit an improved offer for West Ham United left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, according to talkSPORT.
The Bees have made strengthening the left side of their defence a key priority ahead of the new Premier League season.
Brentford previously tested West Ham’s resolve with an initial approach for the ‘superb’ 21-year-old Senegal international, but that bid was swiftly rejected by the East London club.
Undeterred, Brentford are now preparing a fresh proposal that could reach £40 million, severely testing West Ham’s determination to keep the defender.
Diouf enjoyed an impressive debut season in English football after joining West Ham from Slavia Prague for an initial £19m last summer.
Operating as a dynamic full-back and wing-back, he contributed five assists in 32 Premier League appearances, establishing himself as one of West Ham’s most productive attacking outlets down the left.
For Brentford, signing a high-calibre left-back is critical due to ongoing fitness concerns over Rico Henry. Henry missed much of last season due to recurring issues, forcing Keane Lewis-Potter to deputise at full-back.
Bringing in Diouf would give Brentford an immediate starter for Keith Andrews’ high-intensity setup. However, convincing West Ham to sell remains a challenge.
The Hammers issued a hands-off warning after Brentford’s initial approach, insisting Diouf remains central to manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans.
Having already raised nearly £150m through player sales earlier in the window – including the departures of Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville – West Ham are under no financial pressure to sell one of their key young assets.
Despite West Ham’s firm public stance, an offer close to £40m would more than double their initial outlay for Diouf just a year ago, representing a major return on investment.
With Brentford preparing a revised offer, negotiations between the two London clubs are expected to accelerate as the transfer deadline approaches.