Fulham, Everton among contenders for £26m-rated France U21 defender

Toulouse centre-back Issa Diop has emerged as a transfer target for newly-promoted Premier League side Fulham.

Everton and West Ham United are also looking at the 21-year-old defender, who has represented France 39 times across youth levels.

Diop is valued at around £26m and started 34 games for Toulouse last season.

The 6’4″ defender has attracted the interest of European giants such as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, as well as Premier League duo Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

However, he could be making a switch to another London side in Fulham, as the Cottagers look to strengthen their defence ahead of their first season back in the top flight.

The Daily Mail recently claimed that Fulham and Everton were the front runners to sign the highly-coveted centre-back.

Diop is highly-rated for his strength, pace, aerial ability and leadership, making him a welcome addition to many Premier League sides.

Diop’s contract at Toulouse runs until 2020.

 

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