Report claims West Ham ace Issa Diop is a priority for Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho, contact already made with player’s agent

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West Ham centre-back Issa Diop is one of two priority signings for Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho this summer, according to French media outlet Foot Mercato. In fact, the French publication claims that Spurs have already made contact with the Hammers man’s agent. And the north London outfit might have to battle their bitter rivals Arsenal for the 6ft 4in ace.

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The 23-year-old joined the Hammers from Toulouse in the summer of 2018 for around £22.5 million (Mirror).

The Frenchman really impressed in his debut campaign in the Premier League, but he struggled for form and consistency during the first half of this season.

Diop has improved dramatically over the past month or so, however.

And it would be reasonable to assume that the West Ham ace could go on to become one of Europe’s finest centre-backs.

Spurs boss Mourinho desperate to land Diop

It is easy to see why Tottenham boss Mourinho might want to sign the French ace. Especially with Jan Vertonghen’s future far from certain.

Arsenal have also been mentioned as a potential destination for the £45 million rated Hammers defender. Mikel Arteta is allegedly a big fan of the French ace (The Mirror).

So it seems as though West Ham will have their work cut-out if they are to keep hold of Diop this summer.

Foot Mercato claims that Tottenham boss Mourinho is desperate to sign the Hammers centre-back. In fact, they suggest that Spurs have already contracted the 23-year-old’s agent.

Worth £45 million?

In 23 Premier League games this season, Diop has racked up 24 tackles, 39 interceptions and 122 clearances. He has also won 64% of his individual duals and 74% of his aerial battles (premierleague.com).

Considering the ongoing global health crisis, that price might very well come down. And if Diop’s value does decrease, it might be in West Ham’s best interest to just keep hold of him, at least for a couple more years.

If Tottenham, or Arsenal for that matter, really want the Hammers defender, however, it will be very hard for West Ham to resist their London rivals’ advances.