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

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.

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.

The expectation is that United will initially direct their focus to strengthening their midfield. They want two midfielders and names on their shortlist include Atalanta’s Éderson, Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, who is also wanted by Manchester City.

It is expected that 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.

With Patrick Dorgu able to play in a more advanced role and potentially compete for a spot on the wing, the focus could turn to a defensive player who can compete with Shaw. United’s other options at left-back include Tyrell Malacia, who has made two appearances this season, and the right-footed duo of Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot.

Shaw has had a good season but has a patchy injury record and it is likely that the 30-year-old’s load will have to be watched carefully next season, with United expected to be in the Champions League. United will need quality depth if competing at the highest level in Europe and Diouf, who is expected to represent Senegal at the World Cup, has potential and could be eased in gently.

West Ham’s negotiating position will be influenced by whether they stay up. They are two points above the relegation zone with four games remaining but posted losses of £104.2m for the year ending 31 May 2025 and are likely to need summer sales to improve their financial position. Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes are expected to attract interest.

Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new United contract until June 2031, with the midfielder to earn a basic salary of about £120,000 a week. The 21-year-old has impressed since the interim manager, Michael Carrick, gave him a first league start of the season in 2-0 win over Manchester United on 17 January. This came after Mainoo lost his first-team place under Ruben Amorim, the head coach who was sacked that month.

Mainoo said: “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 football, said: “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.”

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