In words that should be music to the ears of West Ham United, playing in the Premier League is a ‘dream’ for a midfielder who could follow in the footsteps of El Hadji Malick Diouf at the London Stadium.

The Hammers snapped up Senegal international Diouf after watching the then-Slavia Prague left-back shut down Bukayo Saka during that famous 3-1 win away to Thomas Tuchel’s England.

There were only five weeks between that historic victory at the City Ground and El Hadji Malick Diouf posing for photos in the claret and blue of West Ham United.

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It appears that, with the departures of Guido Rodriguez, James Ward-Prowse and Andy Irving leaving a gap in Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad for a new midfielder, the London giants are hoping to pull off a similarly swift move for another rising Senegalese starlet.

According to L’Equipe, West Ham offered £6 million to sign Alpha Toure from FC Metz in the middle of the January transfer window. They would not return with another offer – centre-halves, centre-forwards and wingers were the priority – but the Hammers may pick up where they left off when the current campaign comes to an end.

Metz midfielder Alpha Toure appears open to West Ham United move

Toure put rumours of a Ligue 1 departure aside when initially asked about West Ham’s interest. Les Grenats are nailed to the bottom of the table, after all, but still harbour some hope of pulling off a ‘Great Escape’ that would make West Ham’s 2007 Houdini act look like child’s play.

Now that the window has closed, though, Diouf’s 20-year-old compatriot was far more forthcoming.

“It’s always flattering when clubs like West Ham or Besiktas are interested in me,” Toure tells Africa Foot, seemingly confirming L’Equipe’s January claims.

“But I’m under contract with Metz and I’m very focused on my season. I leave that to my representatives and the club. I’m focused on the pitch. As long as I’m wearing the Metz jersey, I’ll give 100 per cent.

“The Premier League is a very intense league, with a lot of pace and physicality. It’s a dream for many players. But one thing at a time.”

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A versatile, left-footed operator, Toure has started nine Ligue 1 matches this season. While a central midfielder by trade, his ‘press resistant’ qualities, his tactical adaptability, and his confidence in possession have also seen the youngster featured at full-back.

“I think this is a learning season. I’ve improved a lot tactically and mentally,” adds Toure, who hopes to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Sadio Mane, Papiss Cisse and Sadio Mane at Metz.

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“I work every day to earn the coach’s trust. I know I can still do better. It’s nice, but I’m staying focused. The most important thing is hard work and consistency. Talent alone isn’t enough. I want to help the team above all else.

“FC Metz has a special history in Senegal. Many great Senegalese players have passed through here. For me, it’s a source of pride to be part of this legacy. I want to write my own story while respecting this heritage.

“My future? To continue progressing here, to help the club achieve its goals, and perhaps even make history like some of the great Senegalese players before me. After that, football evolves quickly; we’ll see what the future holds, God willing.”

Interestingly, West Ham tried to sign Idrissa Gueye from Metz too, in the summer of 2025. Another who hails from Senegal, striker Gueye eventually moved to Udinese for a fee of around £13 million.

In terms of other midfield targets, meanwhile, West Ham seem well-placed to land Evertton Araujo should they step up their alleged interest in the Flamengo enforcer. The Hammers have a ‘very good relationship’ with the Copa Libertadores champions, thanks to the sale of Lucas Paqueta.