Nice interested in West Ham defender Diop – report
French side Nice are interested in signing out of favour West Ham centre back Issa Diop, according to transfer expert Alan Nixon.
Diop hasn’t played for the Hammers since the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in mid-December after starting the season poorly.
Nixon claims that Diop has caught the eye of Nice and the French club want to take the defender on loan with a view to make the deal permanent in the summer.
On Twitter, Nixon said, “West Ham. Interest from French side Nice in centre half Issa Diop. Loan with a view.”
Letting Diop go could be of interest to the Hammers with the 23-year-old out of favour at the London Stadium.
David Moyes’ defence has been much improved this season and Diop has largely not been selected which suggests he could be allowed to leave in the next few weeks.
Diop started his side’s first two Premier League games of the season in which the Hammers lost 2-0 and 2-1 to Newcastle and Arsenal respectively.
The French under 21 has only featured twice in the league since and a move back to France may suit the 23-year-old.
He previously played for Toulouse when he impressed enough for the Irons to sign him in 2018.
Diop was a regular in his first years in east London but now Moyes has happened upon a sound defence it looks as if Diop’s services are no longer required.
However, West Ham aren’t blessed with depth at centre back so if Diop was allowed to leave Moyes would have to find a replacement.
This becomes an issue if the Hammers don’t immediately receive a fee for their young defender.
With the January transfer window well underway we are sure to see if Nice make a move for Diop in the near future, then West Ham will have a decision to make.
In other West Ham news, Lucasz Fabianski will return to Hammers training this week, according to a report.