Manchester United target West Ham’s Diouf and confirm new Mainoo contract | Manchester United

West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf has emerged as a target for Manchester United as they weigh up a summer season transfer for a left-back.

United wish to usher in competitors for Luke Shaw and are one of many golf equipment monitoring Diouf after his promising first marketing campaign in English soccer. The Senegal worldwide joined West Ham for €22m (£19m) from Slavia Prague and has recovered from a troublesome begin to turn out to be one of many facet’s most necessary gamers.

Diouf’s protection has improved in the course of the second half of the marketing campaign and his crossing capacity has added to his attacking menace. It is unclear whether or not West Ham, who’re battling towards relegation, will take heed to provides for the 21-year-old however they’re conscious of United’s curiosity. At least one different main Premier League membership has checked out Diouf.

The expectation is that United will initially direct their focus to strengthening their midfield. They need two midfielders and names on their shortlist embrace Atalanta’s EdersonNewcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Andersonwho can be needed by Manchester City.

It is anticipated that they are going to take a look at their left flank if cash is left over as soon as the midfield has been addressed. Signing a left-winger is a chance however an alternate is bringing in a defensive participant.

With Patrick Dorgu capable of play in a extra superior function and doubtlessly compete for a spot on the wing, the main focus might flip to a defensive participant who can compete with Shaw. United’s different choices at left-back embrace Tyrell Malacia, who has made two appearances this season, and the right-footed duo of Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot.

Shaw has had a great season however has a patchy damage file and it’s possible that the 30-year-old’s load must be watched fastidiously subsequent season, with United anticipated to be within the Champions League. United will want high quality depth if competing on the highest degree in Europe and Diouf, who is anticipated to characterize Senegal on the World Cup, has potential and could possibly be eased in gently.

West Ham’s negotiating place will probably be influenced by whether or not they keep up. They are two factors above the relegation zone with 4 video games remaining however posted losses of £104.2m for the 12 months ending 31 May 2025 and are prone to want summer season gross sales to enhance their monetary place. Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes are anticipated to draw curiosity.

Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new United contract till June 2031, with the midfielder to earn a fundamental wage of round £120,000 per week. The 21-year-old has impressed for the reason that interim supervisor, Michael Carrick, gave him a primary league begin of the season in a 2-0 win over Manchester City on 17 January. This got here after Mainoo misplaced his first-team place underneath Ruben Amorim, the top coach who was sacked that month.

Mainoo stated: “Manchester United has always been my home – this special club means everything to my family. We can all feel the momentum building inside the club. I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies.”

Jason Wilcox, the director of soccer, stated: “We are delighted that Kobbie has extended his stay here and have full confidence that he will develop into one of the best players in the world, ready to play a pivotal role in a Manchester United team challenging for the biggest honours.”