Brentford do not plan to sell 21-year-old defender Malick Diouf in January, despite reports of interest from Chelsea and Liverpool. According to TEAMtalk, the club see the Senegal international as an important player for the future and are not in talks over his departure.
Diouf joined Brentford from West Ham in late August. The deal could reach £40 million including bonuses, making it a club-record transfer.
The defender signed a five-year contract until 2031, with an option to extend it for a further season. The agreement means Brentford are under no pressure to make a quick decision on his future.
Chelsea and Liverpool not preparing offers
Reports emerged this week that both clubs were interested in Diouf and had already contacted his representatives.
However, TEAMtalk sources have denied that there have been any new contacts. They say Chelsea and Liverpool's interest dates back to last summer, following the defender's impressive performances for Senegal at the World Cup.
The English clubs also rated his performances for West Ham highly last season in the Premier League, when Diouf registered five assists.
Nevertheless, the publication claims neither Chelsea nor Liverpool are currently considering a January offer.
Why has Diouf played so little for Brentford?
Since his move, the Senegal international has yet to establish himself in Keith Andrews' starting line-up.
Diouf has started only once in the Premier League this season and made a further four appearances as a substitute.
Keane Lewis-Potter has become the first-choice player on the left side of the defence and is currently ahead of the new signing in the pecking order.
However, Brentford do not see the lack of playing time as a problem. According to TEAMtalk, the club always planned to introduce the young defender gradually rather than make him a regular starter immediately.
Andrews has previously highlighted Diouf's age and potential when explaining why the club agreed to spend a record sum on him.
Brentford are counting on Diouf for the long term
The club believe the Senegal international can become an important part of a team hoping to challenge for European qualification.
A January sale is not being considered, and his long contract allows Brentford to reject offers that do not meet their valuation of the player.
Diouf is expected to remain at the Gtech Community Stadium and continue fighting for a place in the team.
