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Issa Diop attracting interest from Premier League rivals.

By Henry Tomlinson

West Ham United's French defender Issa Diop celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Everton at The London Stadium, in east London on January 18, 2020. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)
West Ham United's French defender Issa Diop celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Everton at The London Stadium, in east London on January 18, 2020. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images) /
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West Ham defender Diop may have had an inconsistent season, but big clubs are still tempted to chase his signature.

Since arriving at West Ham, Issa Diop has attracted interest from the top teams in the league. One of his biggest fans is Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese manager has been a keen admirer of the Frenchman since he was in charge of Manchester United.

Diop earned Mourinho’s praise after the Hammers beat his United team 2-1 at the London Stadium. The 23-year-old put in a brilliant performance which frustrated a star-studded Manchester United attack.

After the match, Mourinho had nothing but praise for the former Toulouse defender. Talking to BT Sport after the game Mourinho was impressed with how Diop marshalled the defence and nullified Paul Pogba.

"“(He had a) fantastic match,” said Mourinho. “Congratulations to the scout that found a 21-year-old kid Diop – a monster who dominated in the duels.”"

So it makes sense that ever since that day Mourinho has always been linked to signing the defender. This interest has followed the Portuguese manager to Tottenham, who require a new centre-back to replace Jan Vertonghen. The Belgium defender has left Spurs after eight years, and he leaves a big hole in their defence.

Mourinho will have to battle it out for Diop as his old club Manchester United for the promising youngster. The Sun is reporting that an offer of £45 million could be enough to sign the defender, who was valued at £75 million only last summer.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær is keen to strengthen his defence, which was the Red Devils weak spot last season. Diop could potentially partner Harry Maguire in the United defence; this could see Diop flourish as he will not be as exposed as he is at West Ham.

Diop’s value may have plummeted over the last season due to a difficult season at the London Stadium. Despite a challenging year, Diop did put in some good performances and could become a brilliant defender for a more stable club.

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West Ham would be making a profit of around £20 million if they were to accept the reported fee. The Hammers very rarely make a profit on player sales and this extra revenue could be used to fund the club’s summer transfer business.

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