West Ham want to sign Toulouse defender Issa Diop, according to the Daily Mirror.
The national newspaper’s live transfer blog (Saturday, 18:29) claims that Manuel Pellegrini is a huge fan of the 6ft 4in tall (source:Transfermarkt) enforcer and is determined to sign him.
The Daily Mirror report that Diop is valued as being worth £20million and is being monitored by several clubs including Arsenal as well as Tottenham.
Good move for West Ham?
Yes.
The colossus enforcer is exactly the type of player that needs to rock up at the London Stadium ahead of the new season.
Diop is powerful and intimidating while also having the ability to be a rock in any side’s defence, an ability he showed during his 41 outings in his most recent campaign for Toulouse.
The 21-year-old centre-back will only get better with Pellegrini’s guidance and if he is successfully signed then the Hammers can kiss goodbye to their defensive problems with him in their side.
Also while it may seem expensive for a talent that hasn’t stepped foot in the Premier League if the Hammers pay anywhere near £20million for his services, it will be a fantastic piece of business.
Forever West Ham rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
It’s very promising that Pellegrini is determined but Diop has had interest from Barcelona, Spurs, the Gunners and Inter Milan due to his ever growing reputation.
This could see the Hammers really have to sell their vision for the club and make it clear to the giant centre-back that he would play a key part in the club ending up competing regularly in Europe.
However the allure of playing for such an illustrious boss as Pellegrini as well as being sure that first-team opportunities would be given to him, the Hammers could successfully seal a £20million deal for him.
Though with no official bid as of yet, it’s still too early to say that a move is afoot.
Forever West Ham rating: 6/10
