Following multiple claims that Lyon were interested in West Ham United’s Issa Diop, other clubs are now ready to join the race.
AS Monaco are reportedly one of them, according to Foot Mercato, but so are Manchester United.
It’s no secret that many, many changes will take place at Old Trafford this summer, and following some rather dire defensive performances of late, there could be a clear out in defence.
Among the names being looked at, according to the website, is Diop, who was of interest to Manchester United in the past, back when they decided to lump their money on Harry Maguire instead.
Since then, the Frenchman has dropped down the pecking order under David Moyes, but that doesn’t mean his stock has necessarily gone down, as the Red Devils are still there.
It’s recalled that Manchester United ‘already approached’ him in the past, but they are still ‘following the native of Toulouse with interest’.
This appears to stem from Ralf Rangnick himself, who should help Erik ten Hag perform the open heart surgery he’s previously mentioned.
The German manager and soon to be advisor has had an eye on Diop in the past, as he ‘followed him closely when he worked for Leipzig and always kept his name in mind’.
Now, ‘the objective would therefore be to strengthen the defensive sector’ and for the West Ham defender to ‘try to win a place in the starting XI’.
The problem here is that Diop, should he leave the Hammers, will mainly be ‘aiming for a starting place’ at his next club.
That’s where someone like AS Monaco, also thinking about a move, could come in a convince him to ignore the allure of Old Trafford.
Something to think about, but if Manchester United want ready made, Premier League experienced defenders that still have room to grow, the 25-year-old (with just one year left on his deal at London Stadium) could be an interesting option.
