Everton should not let West Ham win race for £22m-rated star

Follow us on Google Discover

Everton’s need for new centre-backs is clear and Marco Silva should be outbidding West Ham United for Issa Diop.

West Ham United are reportedly close to signing Issa Diop from Ligue 1 club Toulouse, but Everton should not be standing by and watching this happen.

As reported by Sky Sports, the Hammers are close to agreeing a deal to sign Diop this summer to give their leaky defence a much needed boost ahead of the new campaign.

Everton were suspect at the back last season, despite eventually finishing eighth in the Premier League under Sam Allardyce, and the need for some youth and vitality at the back is clear, with Phil Jagielka, Ashley Williams and Leighton Baines all ageing.

With Sky Sports reporting Diop is ready to move to the London Stadium for £22 million, the onus should be on Everton to come in and trump that offer, because that is good value in today’s market. Apparently they too are interested, but the Toffees ought to be more serious about the player before it is too late.

Diop is the French U23 captain, and stood out last season for Toulouse after making 37 appearances in a season where they had a lot of defending to do as one of the bottom sides in the division.

The imposing star is quick across the ground for his size and plays with style, which is a desire held by many clubs about central defenders today. Jagielka and Williams really struggled against speedy forwards last term, and Everton’s need for someone like Diop is clear.

The question is, have Everton left it too late with West Ham moving to get their man?