Sesko in dreamland as Man Utd plot €40m signing

1 May 2026 08:07 BST | 5 min read

Benjamin Sesko, Man Utd, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Manchester United have reportedly added West Ham United defender El Hadji Malick Diouf to their list of transfer targets ahead of the upcoming summer window.

Article continues under the video

The Red Devils are on the verge of securing Champions League qualification for next season and with additional transfer funds set to be available as a result, they are keen to bolster their first-team squad with several high-profile signings.

Current ETV

El Hadji Malick Diouf

D, M (L)

West Ham

El Hadji Malick Diouf

D, M (L)

West Ham

ETV Range

€35.5M - €43.3M

The 13-time Premier League champions are set to prioritise the additions of two new central midfielders and a new left winger this summer, but they have also been tipped to strengthen their depth at left-back in order to provide cover for Luka Shaw.

The England defender has started every league fixture for Man Utd so far this season, but the added load of European football next season means they need an alternative option and with Patrick Dorgu now largely regarded as a winger and Tyrell Malacia set to be sold, Man Utd are eager to dip into the transfer market.

A number of options have been linked with an Old Trafford switch in recent months, including Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal) and Antonee Robinson (Fulham), and they have now added the aforementioned Diouf to their list of targets.

That is according to The Guardian, who report that United are one of several clubs monitoring the Senegal international following his eye-catching debut campaign at West Ham.

The 21-year-old has five assists in 28 Premier League matches from left-back and it’s reported that West Ham are aware of Man Utd’s interest in the player, although a final decision on his future will not be made until the end of the season.

West Ham are currently in the midst of a fierce relegation battle with Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest, and they could be forced to consider offers for Diouf if they drop back down to the Championship for the first time since the 2011-12 campaign.

His potential arrival at Old Trafford would be fantastic news for Benjamin Sesko, who would likely benefit from Diouf’s immense crossing ability from the left flank.

Diouf v Diallo 😤 pic.twitter.com/JBhPVPRem6
— West Ham United (@WestHam) February 11, 2026

Man Utd’s transfer priority confirmed

While Man Utd are interested in Diouf, their priority remains in central midfield. The club want to sign two new players to replace Casemiro, who will leave on a Bosman deal, and Manuel Ugarte, who is expected to be sold permanently after an underwhelming stint at Old Trafford.

Elliot Anderson is currently regarded as their dream target, but Manchester City are the frontrunners for his signature as things stand, and Nottingham Forest’s asking price of a fee in excess of €120 million is also likely to complicate matters.

The likes of Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali and Alex Scott have been identified as Premier League alternatives to the England star, while Man Utd have also been tipped to pursue a deal for Real Madrid superstar Aurelien Tchouameni, who replaced Casemiro at the Bernabeu upon his move to Manchester.

A new left winger is also on the agenda, with Man Utd interested in players such as Yan Diomande, Rafael Leao, Morgan Rogers and Anthony Gordon.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store