Transfer Centre

Fulham closing in on signing of West Ham United defender Issa Diop?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 08 August 2022

Fulham closing in on signing of West Ham's Issa Diop?

Fulham are reportedly closing in on the signing of West Ham United defender Issa Diop, who has less than 12 months left on his contract.

West Ham United have reportedly accepted a bid from Fulham for defender Issa Diop.

On Saturday afternoon, the Cottagers produced one of the performances of the weekend as they recorded a 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the Premier League.

Marco Silva lined up with the pairing of Tosin Adarabioyo and Tim Ream, who made a significant contribution in the club's Championship title-winning campaign in 2021-22.

However, the West Londoners are lacking depth in the centre of their defence, even with Shane Duffy having recently been brought in from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Silva has been eager to sign another fresh face as soon as possible with the likes of Chelsea's Malang Sarr and Manchester United's Eric Bailly having been linked with a switch to Craven Cottage.

Fulham head coach Marco Silva on the touchline against Liverpool on August 6, 2022. © Reuters

Nevertheless, according to Sky Sports News, Fulham have seemingly set their sights on finalising the transfer of Diop.

Despite once being a first-choice option at the Hammers, Diop has played fewer games in the Premier League each season since his arrival in 2018.

The 25-year-old made just 13 outings in the top flight during the last campaign with David Moyes largely preferring the likes of Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson.

With Nayef Aguerd also signing from Rennes, Diop would have eventually had his game time further reduced upon the new signing's recovery from an ankle injury.

Chelsea's Mason Mount in action with West Ham United's Issa Diop in the Premier League on April 24, 2021 © Reuters

That has left neither party being particularly keen to extend Diop's contract past 2023, resulting in what appears to be a parting of the way.

The report claims that Fulham are prepared to pay £13m plus add-ons to secure the Frenchman's services on a five-year contract.

Furthermore, a medical has been pencilled in for either Tuesday or Wednesday, with the player likely to be registered in time for the trip to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend.

Diop, who was once valued in the £40m bracket, will depart West Ham having made a total of 119 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals.