Newly-promoted Premier League club Fulham have been told to pay £20 million for West Ham United defender Issa Diop.
According to Evening Standard, Fulham have been asked to cough up £20 million to sign West Ham United defender Issa Diop. The French centre-back has fallen down the pecking order at the London Stadium and could be headed for an exit in the summer transfer window.
Diop moved to West Ham United in a then-club recorder transfer of £22.5 million from Toulouse in 2018. The centre-back was a regular in his first two seasons with the Hammers but gradually fell out of favour, making just 31 Premier League appearances over the last two seasons.
Moreover, central defender Nayef Aguerd has arrived from Stade Rennais, which can further limit Diop’s game time. The 25-year-old has thus been linked with a move to Fulham, but West Ham United are hoping to recoup most of the amount they paid for him four years ago.
The Cottagers gained promotion to the Premier League after finishing atop the EFL Championship table last season. They are eager to strengthen in multiple positions, including the defence and see Diop as a solid option, with an experience of four years in English top-flight football under his belt.
As per the report by Evening Standard, Fulham have had a £12 million bid rejected for the defender as West Ham United remain firm in their valuation. Fulham could return with an improved bid, but the report does not mention any such plan from them.
The Cottagers have so far signed two players this summer. Defensive midfielder Joao Palinha has arrived at Craven Cottage from Sporting Lisbon, while Andreas Pereira, who plays in a more attacking role, has joined Fulham from Manchester United.
A centre-back signing is next on their list with Diop, who has just a year remaining on his contract with West Ham, emerging as a possible signing. Manchester United were also said to be keeping tabs on the defender, who has made 118 appearances for West Ham United across all competitions. It will be interesting to see if Fulham can land Diop anytime soon.
