Chelsea eye West Ham defender in £40m transfer swoop
Chelsea are reportedly preparing a £40million bid for West Ham star Issa Diop.
The Star claims Frank Lampard has been scouting the centre-back for some time.
And Chelsea are now ready to move for the 23-year-old after having their transfer ban overturned.
Diop, capped six times by France’s U21s, joined West Ham from Toulouse for £22million 18 months ago.
He has gone on to make 55 appearances in all competitions and is considered to be one of the Premier League’s finest young defenders.
Jose Mourinho famously labelled Diop a “monster” after his dominant aerial performance inspired the Hammers to a 3-1 win over Man Utd in 2018.
Now at Spurs, Mourinho is also said to be keen on signing Diop as doubts remain over Jan Vertonghen’s future.
But Chelsea are apparently in pole position for the 6ft 3in cruncher.
The Blues have conceded an astonishing 29 goals in the league so far this season.
Kurt Zouma has failed to convince fans he can be a long-term option.
And Antonio Rudiger is still to find his feet after recently returning from a long-term injury.
Chelsea want Issa Diop from West Ham in £40m transfer swoop to solve defensive dilemma https://t.co/w2hr0sfp0O
— The Sun – Chelsea (@SunChelsea) January 9, 2020
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It would also be unfair to burden youngster Fikayo Tomori with so much pressure in his maiden first-team season.
And it appears Andreas Christensen would be the man to make way for a new arrival.
He has played just eight times this term, and AC Milan are reportedly considering a swoop for the Dane.