Exclusive: Everton already at work on deal to sign West Ham star after relegation

Everton are working to try to seal a “difficult” deal for West Ham United left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, sources have told Football Insider.

The Toffees are part of a big group of clubs that are keen admirers of the 21-year-old, and are looking to take advantage of the Hammers’ relegation from the Premier League in order to strike a deal.

David Moyes and Co. are working on a move that could see them meet the “big asking price” set out by West Ham, with sources indicating that the selling club are hoping to secure a “big profit” on the £19million that they paid to sign him last summer.

There is already a strong competition to secure the starlet’s signature this summer, and that is expected to grow further if he enjoys a strong World Cup with Senegal in the coming weeks.

Everton’s full-back positions have provided issues for them in recent seasons, and they identified Diouf as a target who could potentially address that.

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Diouf was one of the few bright sparks in what was an otherwise torrid season for West Ham, as he immediately outlined himself as a threat in the wide areas at Premier League level.

The youngster’s tally of five league assists was only bettered by Jarrod Bowen across the rest of Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad, and he started 30 games for the club in his debut campaign.

The former Slavia Prague man has seen his exploits spark plenty of attention in recent months, and Football Insider revealed at the start of May that Manchester United are keen to sign Diouf this summer.

United have the addition of a new left-back as one of their top priorities this summer, but it is currently understood that Diouf is just one of many who are on their list of potential candidates.

That could leave the door open for Everton to swoop in and strike a deal, although the Red Devils are far from their only competition.

Diouf’s reputation has skyrocketed since his move to the London Stadium, and West Ham are already prepared to charge a premium price, with the World Cup potentially set to see it jump even higher.

Former Toffees chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider earlier this week that he feels Everton shouldn’t act on their reported interest in Neco Williams.

The Nottingham Forest full-back is on the radars of several Premier League clubs after another season of consistent performances at the City Ground, with the Merseysiders among those who are keen to do a deal.

However, Wyness has now warned them against launching a move for the Wales international, who he believes would fail to raise the level of their squad.

He suggested that Williams would not be a “game-changer” for Everton in terms of their ability to push for a European place next term, in what could be a crucial summer for the club.