In-the-know podcaster ExWHUemployee has claimed that West Ham United are looking to loan out Issa Diop and West Bromwich Albion are interested.
According to Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol (as per Transfer Centre, 18:46, 19/01/21), up to three Premier League clubs are interested in signing the Frenchman on loan this month.
The talk comes with the Hammers currently having six out-and-out centre-backs in their first-team squad, as well as two further players who are capable of playing there (per Transfermarkt).
With so many options available to David Moyes, Diop has made only five appearances for West Ham in all competitions so far this season.
During the latest episode of The West Ham Way Podcast, ExWHUemployee claimed that the Irons are looking to loan the 24-year-old defender out and West Brom are one of his suitors.
When speaking on West Ham’s options in defence, he said: “That means that Issa Diop is not near the first team because if you play with a two, then at the moment [Craig] Dawson and [Angelo] Ogbonna are the first choice.
“If you play with a three, then you’d probably say those two alongside [Aaron] Cresswell and with someone else at left wing-back.
“If you go for another centre-back, you’d probably say that [Fabian] Balbuena is ahead of Diop now.
“There was talk a couple of years ago that Man United were going to bid when [Jose] Mourinho was the manager, up to like £65m for him, so, the fact his stock has massively fallen, therefore, the club is considering loaning him out.
“The reports in the press say three clubs [are] interested in loaning him, I’ve heard that there could be four, one of which is West Brom – they think he would help shore up their defence.”
TIF Thoughts on ExWHUemployee’s Issa Diop transfer claim…
As can be seen in what the in-the-know podcaster had to say, he believes the club may be looking to loan out the French defender this month and West Brom are interested.
Would you mind if Issa Diop went out on loan to a Premier League rival?
No, it's a good idea
Yes, it's a bad idea
Certainly, based on current form, it seems as though loaning him out would be a good move as he has not been overly impressive for the Irons this term.
Over four Premier League appearances, he has earned a weak 6.30/10 average rating, making him the second-worst-performing player still at the club (per WhoScored).
So, perhaps a loan away from the Hammers for the £18m-rated man to find some good form would be a smart move.