Manchester United could move a step closer to Champions League qualification when they host rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
Michael Carrick has overseen an impressive improvement since taking charge of the Red Devils in January, following a dismal first half of the campaign under Ruben Amorim.
The former midfielder has guided United to nine wins and two draws from his 13 matches since being appointed as caretaker head coach until the end of the campaign, but it is still unclear whether the Englishman will be given the job on a permanent basis this summer.
Ahead of the visit of the Premier League champions to Ola Trafford on Sunday, it is being reported that Manchester United are considering a shock move to sign a defender from a struggling Premier League side.
As per TalkSPORT, Man United have an interest in West Ham United defender El Hadji Malick Diouf ahead of the summer transfer window.
It is claimed that those in charge of United’s recruitment are working to identify potential targets ahead of the summer window, and left-back is an area of their squad that they are particularly keen to bolster.
Malick Diouf has impressed for West Ham this season (Photo: Every Second Media/Alamy)
Both Patrick Dorgu and Luke Shaw have struggled with injuries this season, while Tyrell Malacia appears to have failed to force his way into Carrick’s plans.
Diouf, meanwhile, has been impressing for a Hammers side that have struggled this season, and his performances have seen him emerge on United’s radar.
According to the report, Diouf’s future could depend on whether or not Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are successful in their bid to avoid relegation.
While no price tag has been set yet, it is claimed that the full-back could be one of several Hammers players likely to leave The London Stadium if the east London outfit are relegated to the Championship.
The Senegal international – whose contract with West Ham is set to run until the end of the 2029/30 campaign – joined the club from Czech side Slavia Prague last summer and has played 30 times so far this season.