Report: West Ham interested in Lyon star Pape Cheikh Diop

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West Ham United are reportedly interested in making a last-ditch move for Lyon midfielder Pape Cheikh Diop.

On Saturday, Spanish publication AS reported the Hammers have placed an offer on the table for the star, who is currently on loan with Celta Vigo.

Apparently they have an option-to-buy clause inserted to the tune of €9 million/£8 million.

It is not stated what West Ham’s offer is, and it remains to be seen if the Irons are able to prise the player away from his temporary club.

The 22-year-old has made 16 appearances so far this season but, in recent weeks, has really been struggling for minutes at Balaídos.

Most of those appearances have been cameo appearances, suggesting Lyon may cooperate with West Ham to move him to the London Stadium.

Diop, who was born in Dakar but has declared his international allegiance to Spain, joined Lyon in 2017 from Celta.

TBR’s view – All-rounder Diop could be decent West Ham signing

Diop operates as a central midfielder and lends a hand in all thirds of the pitch.

This term so far he has been able to record an impressive pass completion rate of 90% (WhoScored).

Ball retention appears to be very much his forte – in all his seasons since turning professional, the lowest accuracy Diop’s has recorded is 87.5%. He has averaged a fantastic 90%.

At the moment the Hammers are lacking someone who can get on the ball and dominate in central midfielder – perhaps Diop can be a means of helping with that.