Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United are interested in signing Issa Diop from David Moyes’s West Ham United in the January transfer window, according to L’Equipe.
The French publication has claimed that Newcastle have opened talks with Diop’s entourage over bringing him to St James’ Park before the window closes next week.
If Newcastle are able to reach an agreement with the 25-year-old central defender, then, according to the report, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will try to convince Premier League rivals West Ham to come to an agreement over the 6 ft 4 in Frenchman.
L’Equipe have added that West Ham have decided not to sell any of their players to Newcastle.
Issa Diop from West Ham to Newcastle is unlikely
In our view, it is unlikely that Diop will leave West Ham for Newcastle in the January transfer window.
Even if the defender, described as “a colossus” and “absolutely magnificent” by West Ham assistant manager Stuart Peace in Football.London in September 2021, agrees to move to Newcastle, the Hammers are unlikely to let him go.
Unless, of course, West Ham receive an offer that is simply too much to resist.
West Ham are aiming to finish in the Premier League top four this season, and manager Moyes is unlikely to want to lose any member of his squad.
So far this season, Diop has made eight appearances in the Premier League, five in the Europa League, three in the Carabao Cup and one in the FA Cup for West Ham.
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