According to news reports in France, Manchester United have had a £40m bid rejected for West Ham defender Issa Diop.
The young French center-back joined West ham last season from Toulouse for a reported fee of around £22m. The East London club signed the 22-year-old by breaking their previous club record fee of £20m for Marko Arnautovic.
Issa Diop started in 33 out of 38 games for West Ham United in the Premier League last season. Issa brought stability into their defence and helped them finish 10th on the points table.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that the Red Devils are interested in the French defender. Solskjaer wants to sign Diop to improve his team’s defence.
BREAKING: @ManUtd interested in signing West Ham defender Issa Diop and willing to pay £45m plus a player, Sky Sports News understands.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 15, 2019
But, according to the Telefoot as reported by Metro, Manchester United’s opening offer of £40m cash plus player has been rejected by West Ham. It is understood that, West ham currently value Issa Diop at £75m and if Manchester United are to sign him, they would have to break the record transfer fee given for a defender, even surpassing Virgil van Dijk’s transfer to Liverpool for £75m.
Amidst the rebuilding process under Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, United are looking to solidify their defence and simultaneously plan for the future as well. Issa Diop is an amazing talent who would definitely solidify Manchester United’s defence and could one day become one of the best center-backs in the world.
He possesses great physicality and height, also helping him in the air and can deal with crosses into the box, something which the United defenders usually have trouble dealing with.
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A £40m price tag seemed apt for the young French defender as he does not have much experience in the Premier League and is still maturing. Issa Diop is a good centre-back, but hasn’t reached the world class status yet.
Manchester United need someone who can immediately come in and make a difference. This is why Solskjaer should start looking for other options.
