West Ham United are now tracking the situation of Manchester United defender Eric Bailly, with David Moyes interested in replacing Issa Diop this week ahead of his move to Fulham.
West Ham now want Man Utd ace Eric Bailly to replace Fulham-bound Issa Diop
Eric Bailly has emerged as an option for West Ham United as David Moyes looks to replace Issa Diop with the Manchester United defender, possibly by the weekend. That’s according to talkSPORT, who note the Irons are desperate to sign a new option to play at centre-half.
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The Hammers have already spent £30m on one central defender this summer after Nayef Aguerd arrived from Stade Rennais. But the Moroccan required surgery for an ankle injury he sustained during a pre-season friendly with Rangers and missed the start of the season.
Craig Dawson was also absent through injury as West Ham hosted Manchester City on the opening weekend. Angelo Ogbonna is also still recovering from his ACL injury, leaving Ben Johnson to feature beside Kurt Zouma, as Diop refused to play ahead of his imminent exit.
“No, Issa Diop is not injured at the minute,” Moyes told football.london after their 2-0 loss at home to Pep Guardiola’s champions. “Issa Diop didn’t put himself forward to play in the last couple of games and we will see what happens with that in the next couple of weeks.”
Eric Bailly could leave Manchester United for same as Fulham pay for Issa Diop
Moyes is determined to sign another centre-back to plug the gaps in his defence ahead of visiting Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Diop may also leave the London Stadium before the Irons travel to the City Ground, with Fulham closing in on his arrival for £15m plus add-ons.
West Ham are interested in a handful of names who can replace Diop, including Bailly with his Manchester United future in doubt. The Red Devils would only strive to recoup around £15m for the Ivory Coast international they paid Villarreal £30m to sign back during 2016.
Sevilla are also exploring taking Bailly back to Spain, while Jose Mourinho is considering a reunion at Roma. He was the Portuguese tactician’s first signing in charge at Old Trafford, but the enforcer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer called ‘immense’ is not in favour under Erik ten Hag.
The Mirror (p76, 19/7) also claim Bailly was offered to Newcastle United after entering the final two years of his £80k-a-week deal. While 90min report Fulham explored his situation during preliminary talks with Manchester United after returning to the Premier League.
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