French newspaper L’Equipe claim that West Ham are about to receive an offer from Newcastle for defender Issa Diop. The report claims an offer is likely to be in the region of £8.5million and £10million for the centre-back.
Diop, 24, is being strongly linked with a move this month. The France Under-21 star has entered the last 18 months of his contract at West Ham – and could be allowed to go, if he is unwilling to sign a new contract.
The Hammers are currently struggling for options in the middle of the defence. Angelo Ogbonna, normally first choice, is sidelined until the end of the season. By the time he returns to action, he will be 34.
Kurt Zouma is said to be out for another month or so, with a hamstring injury. It leaves just Diop and Craig Dawson as options. But Newcastle are looking to test West Ham’s resolve – with a bargain bid for Diop.
West Ham have simply got to reject Newcastle bid for Diop
As aforementioned, the Hammers lack options at centre-back. West Ham are still fighting on three fronts, qualifying for Europa League football after Christmas. But there is another reason why West Ham should reject a bid.
When West Ham signed Diop from Toulouse, they splashed out a club-record £22million (BBC) fee to get him. Accepting Newcastle’s proposed offer would see them get less than half back for the defender.
Yes, his contract situation reduces his value and no, his form has not been up to the standard you would expect from a £22million defender. But unless the Hammers receive a fee of £15million, then they should reject bids.
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