Manchester United are reportedly one of the clubs interested in signing West Ham United central defender Issa Diop.
The 23-year-old centre-back moved to the London club from Toulouse in 2018, and impressed last season for the Hammers.
As per Metro, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a fan of the defender, who drew praise from former Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho as well last season.
West Ham signed him for £22.5 million last year, but the Hammers tripled the defender’s price when inquiries came in for him at the end of last summer.
They may not be interested in selling the defender, but will be forced to if they do not stave off relegation this season. Arsenal are another side interested in signing Diop, who has made 64 appearances for West Ham. His current deal with the London club only expires in 2023.
Issa Diop would be a good fit under Solskjaer, but do they need him?
Issa Diop had a fantastic first season at West Ham United, and despite having an average 2019-20 season, several clubs still seem to be interested in signing him. Diop is a defender who is strong, powerful and quick, both in the air and the ground.
Diop averages 2.7 headers per game in the league this season, as well as making 5.3 clearances per game in the Premier League. The Frenchman is quick to get to the ball and make interceptions and tackles, and closes up on attackers quickly.
Manchester United broke the world-record fee paid for a defender last summer when they signed Harry Maguire from Leicester City. The Englishman has gone on to have a solid season and even took the captain’s armband following Ashley Young’s departure.
United’s defence has improved significantly with the additions of Maguire and right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Centre-back isn’t a position that United need reinforcements at the moment as Victor Lindelof has been in decent form alongside Maguire, while Eric Bailly has also looked solid since his return from injury.
Solskjaer also has young defender Axel Tuanzebe, who is a highly-rated young defender, and is set to have a big future at Old Trafford.
United need to strengthen in midfield and attack, which have to be their priorities in the summer, rather than a defender, but should they sign Diop, their defence will look a lot better.
Dont know why Man Utd dont sign the whole West Ham team. According to people like you they seem to want to sign a lot of West Ham players which of course West Ham will sell -Not. Funny that West Ham not that good at the moment –doesnt say much about other sides does it ?