---
title: "Southampton: Saints eye Issa Diop"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/southampton-saints-st-marys-stadium-issa-diop-west-ham-romain-perraud-ralph-hasenhuttl/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "jonathan radcliffe"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2021-07-17T13:05:38Z"
modified: "2021-07-17T13:05:38Z"
---

# Southampton: Saints eye Issa Diop

**[As per journalist Ekrem Konur](https://twitter.com/Ekremkonur/status/1416017808635351041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1416017886603268098%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Freadsouthampton.com%2F2021%2F07%2F17%2Fvirals-southampton-join-race-for-issa-diop%2F), Southampton are interested in signing West Ham United defender Issa Diop this summer.**

### **The Lowdown: Saints preparing for new campaign**

The Saints are preparing for the upcoming 2021/22 campaign as they look to improve on their 15th place Premier League finish last time out.

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So far, they have completed the signing of Romain Perraud ([southamptonfc.com](https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2021-07-02/announcement-romain-perraud-southampton-football-club-2-july-2021)), but Ralph Hasenhuttl will no doubt want to add several others to his squad before the transfer window slams shut, particularly in defence.

### **The Latest: Saints eye Diop**

As per this latest report, Southampton are interested in signing Diop.

‘Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton and Southampton are interested in Issa Diop,’ [confirmed](https://twitter.com/Ekremkonur/status/1416017808635351041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1416017886603268098%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Freadsouthampton.com%2F2021%2F07%2F17%2Fvirals-southampton-join-race-for-issa-diop%2F) the transfer journalist on Twitter, also revealing that Palace have seen an offer rejected already.

### **The Verdict: Worth a punt**

Diop was once one of the most sought-after defenders in England. In 2019, Manchester United were very interested in signing the 24-year-old, with it even being reported they could offer a package worth at least £60m ([via hammers.news](https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/insider-report-manchester-united-prepare-65m-plus-player-bid-for-west-ham-star-issa-diop/)). Former Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho called him a “monster” thanks to his impressive displays ([via tribuna.com](https://tribuna.com/en/news/manutd-2020-03-06-monster-issa-diop-beaming-after-jose-mourinho-praise/)).

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He regressed last term, managing just [18](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/issa-diop/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/272622) appearances in the top flight under David Moyes, but he remains a player with plenty of ability who has much still to achieve. With a current value of £16.2m ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/issa-diop/marktwertverlauf/spieler/272622)), he will not come cheap, but it may be worth a risk for Hasenhuttl and co.

***In other news, [Southampton want to sign this Champions League-winning striker.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/southampton-fc-transfer-rumours/southampton-saints-st-marys-stadium-divock-origi-belgium-ralph-hasenhuttl/)***