West Ham look set to complete the signing of defender Issa Diop from Toulouse as the 21-year-old is scheduled for a medical today (Monday), according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.
The reliable journalist claimed on Monday afternoon via his personal Twitter account that a major fee worth £22million has been agreed between the Hammers and the Ligue 1 club.
Issa Diop due in London today to have West Ham medical. €25m fee agreed with Toulouse last Wednesday. Highly-rated 21-year-old centre back
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) June 18, 2018
The Hammers could be set to finalise their second acquisition of the summer, after already having signed Ryan Fredericks on a free transfer.
Manuel Pellegrini has targetted the defence as an area of weakness, after the Hammers conceded a league-high 68 goals last season alone.
Good move for West Ham?
Absolutely.
The Hammers are investing in their future with this purchase, and that does not come at too high of a price either.
The 6ft 4in defender [Transfermarkt] will help West Ham by ensuring defensive stability, something that the 21-year-old has proven from his time over in France.
One cause for concern could be the Centre-back’s lack of footballing experience, having only played as a starter in France for two seasons, and nowhere else.
This Is Futbol rating – 8/10.
Likely to happen?
Seems so.
Barring the West Ham team finding something during the medical that could make the deal fall through, this one is bound to happen.
Pellegrini is in desperate need of a defensive face-lift, and the youthfulness that will be brought by Diop is much needed.
With the fee agreed and a medical scheduled, this one could be announced very soon.
This Is Futbol rating – 10/10.