On the move? Fulham are trying to sign Issa Diop from London rivals West Ham
(Picture: Getty Images)Fulham have held talks with West Ham over a deal to sign centre-back Issa Diop.
The two clubs are yet to agree a fee, with the Hammers hoping to recoup close to £20million for the 25-year-old, who became the club’s record signing when he arrived from Toulouse in 2018.
He is now surplus to requirements at the London Stadium following the arrival of Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd last month and will be allowed to leave this summer.
Diop made only 12 Premier League appearances for the Hammers last term, slipping down the pecking order following the marquee signing of Kurt Zouma from Chelsea before an ankle injury disrupted the latter part of his campaign.
Craig Dawson’s good form, coupled with the return to fitness of Angelo Ogbonna and the arrival of Aguerd, means the Frenchman would effectively be fifth-choice centre-back in David Moyes’ current squad.
French side Lyon have also been linked with a move for Diop but Fulham are understood to be his most likely next destination at this stage as Marco Silva seeks to strengthen his Championship-winning group.
Silva has reportedly been concerned by the Cottagers’ slow start to the window, but business is finally beginning to ramp up, with the club having confirmed the £18m signing of Joao Palhinha from Sporting earlier this week.
They also remain in talks over Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno, with deals for Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira and Shakhtar Donetsk winger Manor Solomon close.
