The Athletic journalist drops Man Utd transfer bombshell: West Ham’s ‘Assist King’ could join the Reds

Manchester United have reportedly added young West Ham United left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf to their summer shortlist.INEOS are bracing themselves for what should be an eventful summer, especially if Michael Carrick were to lead them to Champions League qualification and thus unlock additional resources.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYWhile the major emphasis has thus far been on the midfield revamp, other departments need to be addressed as well, including the full-back slots.Man Utd add El Hadji Malick Diouf to left-back shortlistThis season, Luke Shaw has been the club’s ultimate choice for the left-back role. The experienced Englishman has been playing almost non-stop, as Patrick Dorgu has been either injured or placed further up the pitch.But if Man Utd were to return to Europe next season, they would certainly need extra depth on the left flank. After all, Shaw’s injury struggles are well-documented, despite being mostly fit this season.The Athletic journalist Carl Anka reckons that a new left-back could be on the agenda for Jason Wilcox and Co.While he doesn’t 100% confirm the news, the inside hints that El Hadji Malick Diouf is one profile that Man Utd officials have been keeping an eye on.“I believe they have an LB long-list somewhere. I have an idea on some players who might emerge on it, such as West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf,” said Anka. “I cannot say United are looking to sign a left-back. Nor should you say United want to sign El Hadji Malick Diouf.” 🚨🗣️ @Ankaman616 on if Manchester United are looking at any LB’s this summer: “I believe they have an LB long-list somewhere. I have an idea on some players who might emerge on it, such as West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf. I cannot say United are looking to sign a LB. Nor… pic.twitter.com/59u3AyJ0Et — UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) March 13, 2026Why Man Utd are interested in DioufDiouf is a Senegalese international who started his career in his home country before making the move to Europe. He had a couple of experiences with Tromso in Norway and Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic before joining West Ham last summer on a deal worth £20 million.The 21-year-old has been one of the best revelations in the Premier League this season. He was hailed as the club’s new ‘Assist King’ after creating five goals for his teammates. Diouf’s Career Stats Appearances Goals Assists Tromso 21 3 1 Slavia Prague 50 9 4 West Ham 25 0 5 Diouf has also been described as one of the ‘most exciting full-backs in world football’ due to his major impact at both ends of the pitch.Transfermarkt estimates his value at €28 million (£24m), but West Ham will likely request a higher figure to part ways with one of the most promising young stars in their ranks.That being said, the East Londoners are currently involved in a relegation dogfight, and their demotion could force them to relinquish the services of some of their most prized assets on unfavourable terms.Interestingly, Man Utd have also been recently linked with another 21-year-old West Ham player in Mateus Fernandes, reportedly adding the young Portuguese to their midfield shortlist.