For the sixth consecutive game in a row, Tottenham and West Brom-linked Issa Diop was an unused substitute during West Ham’s win against the Baggies on Tuesday night.
Given Diop’s qualities, it is a surprise that he hasn’t played a minute of football since West Ham’s draw against Crystal Palace on December 16.
But that could also be a reason why the likes of Tottenham and West Brom are sniffing around in the background for his signature.
The Mirror (5 January, page 57) recently reported that Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is keen to add the £23 million Hammers defender to his squad this month and Sam Allardyce also wants the centre-back at the Hawthorns.
Given West Brom’s situation, they need a player like Diop more than Spurs, but it would be some surprise if the Hammers look to part ways with their player.
Whilst Diop is struggling for minutes, David Moyes doesn’t have enough depth in his squad to let any players go.
Plus, West Ham, especially in their current situation, selling a player to Tottenham wouldn’t exactly sit down well with the supporters.
But you could see Allardyce banging on the door of his former employers because a player like Diop would change West Brom’s fortunes in trying to stay up.
Until then, Diop has to watch on from the bench as the Hammers work their magic and mount a surprise European challenge.
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