Italian outlet Citta Celeste claims Lazio want West Ham man Issa Diop this summer, amid reports that the Hammers are willing to cash in on the defender. It would see ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri swoop for Diop.
Diop, 25, is arguably fourth choice centre-back at the London Stadium. Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson have been first choice, while Angelo Ogbonna has spent the majority of the season sidelined with a long-term knee injury.
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Ogbonna is due to return next season but even with his age, contract – which ends in 2023 – and injury concern, he is still preferred to Diop. Reports emerged last week that Moyes is ‘willing to listen to offers’ for Diop.
Now, the Hammers have a suitor – in the form of Sarri and Lazio. Sarri guided his side to a very strong fifth place in Serie A, and will be looking to strengthen his side ahead of a Europa League campaign. Diop is a target.
Lazio want West Ham man Diop: Brilliant move for struggling star
Diop was afforded just 13 Premier League appearances last season and it is clear that Moyes does not trust the ex-Toulouse man. He needs to leave this summer to further his career, and a move to Lazio would certainly do that.
Europa League football, in a club with enormous footballing pedigree, would be a brilliant move for Diop. Would he start? Well, Kalidou Koulibaly looks as though he will be leaving the club. He might be a replacement.
West Ham will know they are unlikely to get the £22million spent to sign Diop. But if they can get a fee between £10million and £15million, then they will have done well. But Diop’s contract does end in June 2023.
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