Issa Diop has completed his transfer from West Ham to Fulham, and the Hammers may already have a replacement lined up.
Diop has agreed a move to Craven Cottage on a five-year deal.
Premier League consent training should be part of a broader conversation
The French centre-half made 121 appearances for the Hammers during his four-year stint at the club and was a key figure in their run to the Europa League semi-finals last term.
He says he is ready to start a new chapter of his career.
“I’m very happy, very happy to join Fulham, I hope it’s going to be a very good chapter of my career,” Diop told the Fulham website.
“It’s all official now, so I’m happy. I just want to train with the team now, and let’s get to work.”
Diop, who has represented France at youth level, moved to the Irons from his boyhood club Toulouse in the summer of 2018.
“I’m very excited that we’ve brought Issa Diop to Fulham,” vice-chairman Tony Khan said.
“Issa is a talented and imposing defender whom we’ve pursued for a long time, and his experience and formidable presence will be important to our squad in this Premier League season and for us to build a bright future in the years ahead.”
West Ham could delve back into the French market as David Moyes looks to bolster his defensive options.
Moyes has already added former Rennes centre-half Nayef Aguerd to his squad, four years after signing Diop from Toulouse.
Sky Sports report that the Hammers have made an ‘improved offer’ for Paris Saint-Germain defender Thilo Kehrer after their first bid was turned down by the French champions.
Moyes has ‘identified’ the versatile German as a defensive target.
If West Ham can not agree a fee with PSG they have ‘other options to pursue’. They are currently awaiting the Ligue 1 club’s response to their second bid.
Kehrer is out of contract next summer so may be available for a respectable price.
Kurt Zouma was Moyes’ only central defender available for selection for his side’s Premier League opener at home to Manchester City on Sunday.
The report adds that West Ham are keeping tabs on Conor Gallagher’s situation at Chelsea.
Gallagher was excellent for Crystal Palace last term and returned to Stamford Bridge for pre-season after his loan spell at Selhurst Park.
The England midfielder is under contract until 2025 and is ‘expected’ to remain at Chelsea for this campaign.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Football365…