Premier League new boys Fulham are reportedly keen on signing West Ham United defender Issa Diop in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by French outlet Foot Mercato, Issa Diop is the subject of interest from Fulham over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The Cottagers have tabled a bid worth €15 million for the West Ham United defender, with the two clubs currently locked in negotiations.
Issa Diop joined West Ham United from Toulouse in July 2018 and has since endured a topsy turvy ride at the London Stadium. The 25-year-old was a first-choice centre-back in his first two seasons with the Hammers, but his stock has fallen under the tutelage of David Moyes, especially following Kurt Zouma’s move from Chelsea last summer.
The arrival of Nayef Aguerd should further push Diop, who has turned out 118 times for West Ham, down the pecking order at the London Stadium. So the player could be set to leave West Ham in the summer transfer window, considering Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna are also ahead of him. And Fulham could offer Diop a chance to shine again in the Premier League.
The Cottagers have returned to the English top-flight after just one year in the EFL Championship, winning the second-division title to seal their promotion. Fulham’s activity in the summer transfer window has been slow, although they have signed Joao Palhinha from Sporting CP this week.
But Marco Silva is eager to continue to revamp his squad and get it ready to mount a challenge for a mid-table finish in the 2022/23 season. As a result, several players have emerged on Fulham’s radar, with Manchester United playmaker Andreas Pereira on the verge of completing his move to Craven Cottage.
Another player who will bolster Fulham’s offensive unit is Manor Solomon. But Marco Silva is eager to see Fulham reinforcing the defensive arsenal, with Diop emerging on their radar. The Cottagers have already had a €12 million bid rejected by fellow London club West Ham United. And they have followed up with an offer worth €15 million.
The Hammers are yet to respond to the latest proposal, and negotiations between them and Fulham are underway. Bonuses could be a defining factor for West Ham, but Fulham should be hopeful of winning the race to sign Diop amid competition from Lyon. It will be interesting to see how West Ham will respond to the €15 million offer.
