West Ham Want Anthony Martial As Part Of Deal For Issa Diop

West Ham United are hoping to get Anthony Martial as part of any deal to sell Issa Diop to Manchester United after the Red Devils offered another player as part exchange.

Manchester United are desperate to add a centre back to their team this summer and West Ham's Issa Diop is the latest player they've been linked to, with reports that they've offered £45 million plus an unnamed player.

Some reports have named Phil Jones as the man involved in the deal but the Hammers aren't interested in the defender. Instead the Guardian report that the London club want Anthony Martial as part of any part exchange.

Martial had a mid season resurgence but finished poorly, much like United. Image: PA Images

The French forward has had his problems at Old Trafford and Jose Mourinho wanted to sell him and sign Ivan Perisic in his place last summer.

However according to recent reports the hierarchy at the club have no interest in selling Martial, even with the accusations that he is a lazy player and doesn't do enough for the team.

Diop had a great first season in the Premier League with West Ham but even with that and United's desperation for a defender it's highly unlikely they'd offer Martial as part of any deal.

The Hammers don't want to sell the 22 year old, who cost them £22 million last summer, but it's thought that an offer of £60-£75 million might be enough for them to accept.

United's initial offer was £45 million plus the unknown player and that was knocked back by Manuel Pellegrini's side.

The Red Devils, who wanted a centre back last summer as well, have also been linked with Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Kalidou Koulibaly.

Any of those three would likely cost more than the £75 million record set for a defender, which is how much Liverpool paid for Virgil van Dijk from Southampton 18 months ago.

Some reports have said United would need to pay £80 million for Maguire. Image: PA Images

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already added Daniel James to his side since the season finished but will be hoping for more additions soon.

Crystal Palace's Aaron Wan Bissaka is another defender that United have been trying to sign but have so far seen their bids rejected by the south London team.

Will United sign Issa Diop?

Topics: Harry Maguire, Football News, Anthony Martial, Manchester United, Transfer stories, Transfer rumours, Premier League, West Ham, Transfer news

Ryan Sidle

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