Soccer Football - Europa League - Group H - West Ham United v KRC Genk - London Stadium, London, Britain - October 21, 2021 West Ham United's Issa Diop applauds fans after the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Newcastle United have reportedly now ‘started discussion’ over the potential signing of Issa Diop in the January transfer window.
The Lowdown: Centre-back wanted
The window is certainly heating up despite being just a week in, and the St. James’ Park faithful have already made their first signing in Kieran Trippier.
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Now, the focus from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium seems to be on a new central defender, with links to Sven Botman and Diego Carlos intensifying.
Nonetheless, with 42 goals conceded in the Premier League so far this season, the defence certainly needs reinforcements, and the new owners will surely have a lot of potential targets mapped out in case moves for the likes of Botman and Carlos fall through.
The Latest: Diop talks
As per L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), the North East club have now ‘started discussion’ over the possibility of signing Diop this month, and the ‘door is open’ for him to make the switch.
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His value is estimated at between €10-12m (£8.4-10m), and so they could ‘very quickly’ make an offer.
The Verdict: Bargain
If the Tyneside outfit can get Diop at that kind of price, then it would certainly represent a bargain.
Transfermarkt currently rate him at £10.8m, and being just 24 years of age and already possessing plenty of experience in the top flight, his value will only increase.
Once called a ‘monster‘ by Jose Mourinho back in 2018 after dominating the duels against his Manchester United side, Diop’s six-foot-four frame is a real asset to have in both boxes, and his experience in the division will no doubt be vital in a relegation battle, with six goals in 89 Premier League showings.
Nonetheless, this is a deal that the Magpies should do straight away considering the kind of price being quoted.
In other news, find out who NUFC are now ‘having contacts’ over signing here!
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