Everton reportedly wanted Issa Diop before he joined West Ham United – now the Premier League starlet is wanted by Manchester United, PSG and Barcelona.
A year ago, Everton completed the £28 million signing of Yerry Mina in the hope that the former Barcelona defender would evolve into one of the best defenders in Europe during his time at Goodison Park.
But while Mina’s debut season on Merseyside hardly went to plan, thanks to a series of injuries and some worryingly shaky displays, The Toffees could be left ruing their failure to sign another highly-rated young centre-back instead of the Colombian international.
According to The Mirror, Issa Diop turned down Everton before joining Premier League rivals West Ham United last summer for £22 million.
And while Mina is attempting to rebuild his reputation after a damaging 12 months, Diop’s status and price-tag seemingly knows no bounds.
According to Sky, PSG and Barcelona have expressed an interest in the former Toulouse skipper after a hugely promising campaign at the heart of West Ham’s backline.
Manchester United also believe Diop could solve their long-standing defensive issues. As a result, West Ham are demanding a staggering £75 million, according to the Independent – some £53 million more than they paid for him a year ago.
It is far too soon to write off Mina, who has had to adapt to a new league, a new culture and contend with plenty of fitness issues of late.
But he has a long way to go to match the impact Diop has made in the capital.
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