Manchester United transfer news: West Ham demand Anthony Martial in exchange after Issa Diop talks

The Hammers have shown no willingness to sell their French centre-back but could reconsider if receiving Martial as part of the deal

Miguel Delaney
Tuesday 18 June 2019 07:08 BST
Comments
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confident Paul Pogba will be at Manchester United next season

West Ham United want Manchester United‘s Anthony Martial in exchange for Issa Diop, if any deal is to be done for the centre-half.

The Old Trafford hierarchy have investigated the possibility of signing the 22-year-old, but West Ham have so far shown no willingness to sell.

In initial talks, however, the London club have indicated that they may be willing to do business if Martial comes the other way.

The French striker has had an inconsistent spell at Old Trafford since signing in 2015, and there has been an ongoing debate over whether he should be sold – especially under Jose Mourinho – but club officials are generally of the view that his talent is worth persisting with.

As of their last discussions, United were not willing to let Martial go.

It is likely going to take a significant cash bid – possibly over £60m – to prise the highly-rated Diop from West Ham.

United meanwhile remain reluctant to sell Paul Pogba, with PSG interested.

The midfielder would consider a return to Juventus, but the impasse has brought PSG back in, as they weigh up the situation.

 

There is now a possibility that they sell Neymar this summer, meaning they would consider a creative player.

 

Diop has caught the eye at United

The 26-year-old on Sunday finally made his desire to leave Old Trafford clear, stating that it’s time for a “new challenge”, but many sources say he’s for a long time been “desperate to leave”.

Real Madrid has been his No 1 option, and Zinedine Zidane wants Pogba at any price, but the Bernabeu hierarchy are not keen to spend more than £110m after a summer that has already seen them break £350m.

The midfielder would consider a return to Juventus, but the impasse has brought PSG back in, as they weigh up the situation.

West Ham would like Martial if they are to negotiate over Diop (Getty)

There is now a possibility that they sell Neymar this summer, meaning they would consider a creative player.

United’s official stance is that Pogba is not for sale, and it would take a bid of in excess of £150m to change that.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in