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Manchester United Willing To Pay £45m Plus Player For West Ham Defender Issa Diop

Manchester United Willing To Pay £45m Plus Player For West Ham Defender Issa Diop

Former Manchester United manager José Mourinho described Issa Diop as a "monster" after West Ham United's 3-1 win against the Red Devils.

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz

Manchester United are preparing to solve their defensive issues this summer as they are ready to pay up to £45m plus a player for Issa Diop.

According to Sky Sports, the Red Devils have made contact with West Ham United over a move for the 22-year-old French centre-back.

But the Hammers are reportedly ready to reject the offer and want at least £60m for the player.

And West Ham have a strong hand in the negotiations as Diop arrived last summer and his current deal expires in 2023.

The West Ham defender signed from Toulouse for a reported fee of £22m and has made 38 appearances across all competitions for Manuel Pellegrini's side.

Diop received strong words of endorsement from José Mourinho last season after his performance in West Ham's 3-1 win against United.

PA

"[He had a] fantastic match," the ex-United manager told BT Sport at the time.

"Congratulations to the scout that found a 21-year-old kid Diop -- a monster who dominated in the duels."

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær is keen to fix the defensive crisis facing him at Old Trafford and bring in a first-choice centre-back.

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly and have reportedly made an £84m bid for him.

PA

But the Italian club refuse to let the 27-year-old world-class Senegalese defender leave for less than £100m.

Leicester City's Harry Maguire, who was linked with the club last summer, has once again emerged on United's radar.

But the 26-year-old English centre-back signed a new deal after the summer transfer window closed.

With his future tied down until 2023, the Foxes are demanding at least £80m from United.

Solskjær completed his first summer signing as United boss after landing Daniel James from Swansea City for an initial fee of £15m.

Should Solskjær bring Diop to Old Trafford in the summer?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, red devils, Premier League, West Ham United, Ole Gunnar Solskjær