Report: Manchester United more interested in West Ham’s Issa Diop

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Manchester United are reportedly more interested in West Ham United’s Issa Diop than Marko Arnautovic.

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Manchester United are showing a greater interest in signing Issa Diop than West Ham teammate Marko Arnautovic.

The Daily Mirror reported earlier in the weekend that Jose Mourinho is plotting a bid in excess of £50 million for the Austrian, who has made a very good start to the season at the London Stadium.

But, while the Mail suggests that Arnautovic is on United’s radar, it is his Hammers teammate who is attracting more attention. Mourinho apparently sees the 21-year-old as a potential long-term answer to United’s defensive problems.

Losing Diop would be a bigger blow

West Ham have a lot to thank Arnautovic for. The striker has been exceptional since ending his long wait for a goal with the winner against Chelsea last December. His transformation was a key reason why the club stayed up last year.

Losing him therefore, would be a major setback for Manuel Pellegrini. But perhaps, losing Diop would actually have greater long-term consequences for the Irons if Manchester United make their move for the centre-back.

Diop has made an incredibly encouraging start to life with West Ham. There have been some heavy defeats since his summer arrival, but there have also been some outstanding performances from the youngster.

And given his age, it is not out of the question to suggest that he could be worth a lot more than what United currently value Arnautovic at in the future. His form suggests that he may have the potential to be one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League in the coming years.

Selling him therefore, could prove to be a devastating blow for the Hammers.