Football News

West Ham unmoved as ex-Spurs, Man Utd target wanted by three sides

A trio of Premier League sides have expressed their interest in a West Ham man that was formerly targeted by Tottenham and Manchester United, it has been claimed.

The Hammers’ impressive Premier League campaign last time out has put a lot of their star players in the shop window. Midfielder Declan Rice is probably their most in-demand asset currently. His stock has risen since the conclusion of the domestic season after helping England reach the final of Euro 2020.

One of the east London side’s other standout performers in 2020/21 was Tomas Soucek. After arriving permanently from Slavia Prague last summer, he continued where he left off from his prior six-month loan spell.

Soucek was an ever-present in the team and scored an impressive 10 goals from the centre of the park. This has naturally put a number of top clubs on alert. 

And now another of David Moyes’ men is the focus of attention from some of his side’s Premier League rivals.

French outlet Foot Mercato have reported centre-back Issa Diop is the subject of interest from Wolves, Crystal Palace and Southampton.

Diop made the move to the London Stadium from French side Toulouse in 2018. He was signed for what was at the time a club record £22m fee.

Aged just 21 when he joined, it was clear to see the Hammers hierarchy saw a lot of potential in him.

As such, he slotted straight into the first team picture and made 33 and 32 Premier League appearances respectively in his first two seasons in England.

He attracted interest from United and Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. And then Spurs joined the pack with Jose Mourinho proving to be a big admirer of the defender.

However, he was in and out of the West Ham side last season. He appeared in just under half of their league matches.

This has seemingly put the three named clubs on alert. Diop has only two years left on his contract, so his price tag will be much lower than the £60m that was estimated 18 months ago.

The report adds ‘some’ have made a loan with an option to buy offer, but these have been ‘without success’.

Diop’s teammate a pricey attraction

Meanwhile, Hammers fans may have received a boost in United’s pursuit of 22-year-old Rice.

According to a report, they have an ideal Premier League alternative in mind that could ultimately net a £40m saving.

The Red Devils often get their man on the domestic front, but with Rice’s current deal running to 2024 and David Moyes predictably reluctant to sell, a deal could cost a fortune.

As such, the Daily Star highlight a different option that could net a significant saving…

READ MOREMan Utd have £40m saving in mind through Premier League alternative to West Ham talisman Rice

The post West Ham unmoved as ex-Spurs, Man Utd target wanted by three sides appeared first on TEAMtalk.