Issa Diop on verge of leaving West Ham for London rival in package that could surpass £17m

Fulham have made an improved offer to sign West Ham defender Issa Diop, according to reports from his native France.

Diop has spent four seasons with West Ham, but was much busier in the first two than the last couple. Indeed, last season, he only started 10 matches in the Premier League.

Already behind Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson in the pecking order, Diop now faces the added complications of Angelo Ogbonna returning from injury and Nayef Aguerd signing for the club.

Furthermore, Diop’s contract only has 12 months left to run on it. Therefore, he could be sacrificed this summer.

It was revealed by Foot Mercato on Wednesday night that Diop could yet end up staying in the Premier League. Despite interest from Lyon and Monaco in Ligue 1, Fulham have been trying to sign the 25-year-old.

According to the French source, the newly promoted Premier League outfit have made two offers so far for Diop. The first was worth €12m (£10.2m), which was rejected, before a new bid of €15m (£12.8m).

It remains on the table, since West Ham are yet to respond. There is a feeling that all that is holding up an agreement is the incorporation of bonuses.

Talks were said to be continuing, and indeed, on Thursday morning, fellow French source RMC Sport provided an update.

It is now claimed that a deal for Fulham to sign Diop is down to the details. The total package should surpass €20m (£17m).

Fulham could help Issa Diop relaunch career

At the age of 25, it could be the ideal time for Diop to try something new.

Back in his days with Toulouse, the centre-half was a promising prospect. Unfortunately, he has struggled to develop into the player he was capable of becoming.

But all is not lost and a fresh start with a club where he will play more could be what Diop needs to revive his career.

Fulham want to strengthen their squad ahead of their Premier League return. While their defensive record was good last season, they conceded the most goals out of the three promoted sides.

Hence, adding a new centre-back with a point to prove may be beneficial. Diop could soon be competing with the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Tim Ream and Terence Kongolo at Craven Cottage.

One would imagine he would have a much better chance of starting there than across London with West Ham.

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