Sunderland join Brentford in battle for West Ham defender El Hadji Malick Diouf

Sunderland have entered the race to sign El Hadji Malick Diouf, competing with Brentford for the West Ham United defender.

The Senegal international is expected to leave the Hammers following their relegation to the Championship, and both Premier League clubs have already seen opening bids rejected as they attempt to secure his signature.

West Ham are reportedly holding out for a fee close to £50 million (€58.5m).

Brentford were the first club to make a formal approach for the 21-year-old, but their opening offer failed to meet West Ham's valuation.

The Bees remain determined to complete the deal and are now preparing an improved bid worth up to €46 million.

Sunderland have also submitted an offer of their own, although reports suggest the Hammers considered that proposal too low and rejected it.

Neither club is believed to have met West Ham's asking price, but negotiations are expected to continue.

Diouf remains under contract until 2030, putting West Ham in a strong negotiating position despite their Championship status.

Although the London club are seeking around £50m, there is growing belief that a package in the region of £40-45m (€46.8m-€52.7m) could eventually be enough to complete a transfer.

That valuation means both Sunderland and Brentford are likely to return with improved offers.

The Black Cats' interest comes after Arthur Masuaku completed a permanent move to Konyaspor, leaving Reinildo Mandava as the club's only recognised senior left-back.

With Régis Le Bris preparing his squad for a campaign that includes European football, strengthening that position has become a priority.

Brentford, meanwhile, continue to view Diouf as one of their leading defensive targets despite increasing competition.

Brentford and Sunderland are both expected to return with improved offers as they attempt to meet West Ham's valuation. With the Hammers under no immediate pressure to sell, negotiations could continue into the final weeks of the transfer window before Diouf's future is decided.