Manchester United could explore bringing in Issa Diop in the summer, with the defender ready to leave for a fresh challenge.
According to Foot Mercato, Issa Diop has emerged as a target for Manchester United in the summer, with the Red Devils eyeing a new centre-back under Erik ten Hag. The defender could leave West Ham United in search of a new opportunity, where he will be a regular starter.
Manchester United have had a difficult season and their recent results have exemplified their problems on and off the pitch. The club have been cast into an abyss due to many ongoing issues, and despite making several changes midway through the season, they have not been able to get their act together.
On Saturday, Manchester United probably squandered their last remaining hope of qualifying for the Champions League with a loss to top-four rivals Arsenal. There have been indications that plenty of changes could occur with the squad, as incoming manager Ten Hag eyes a rebuild in the summer.
One of the areas Manchester United will look to strengthen is the central defence. Ten Hag’s impending arrival has already led to links with Ajax’s young centre-back Jurrien Timber. However, the 20-time English champions might look for a Premier League-proven star, which could open up a world of possibilities.
Now Issa Diop’s name has been mentioned as a possible signing in the summer. The West Ham United star has been down the pecking order, with Angelo Ogbonna, Craig Dawson and Kurt Zouma preferred by David Moyes to start games this season. An unfortunate injury to Ogbonna ruled him from the season and allowed Diop to play more games.
Had Zouma and Ogbonna been fit through the season, Diop would have been the club’s fourth choice behind Dawson. So, the defender could be looking for a new challenge in the summer and join a club where he can play regularly.
Diop has a contract until 2023, with West Ham holding the option to extend it by another season. The Londoners could be open to a sale if a reasonable offer arrives and have already started looking at alternatives for the 25-year-old Frenchman. It remains to be seen how much West Ham demand if Manchester United or any other team come knocking in the summer.
Diop is not the only centre-back on Manchester United’s radar, though, with the Red Devils also eyeing Villarreal’s Pau Torres. However, they will face competition from Chelsea and Manchester City in race for the Spaniard.
