Liverpool are reportedly looking at signing West Ham centre-back Issa Diop this month following the injuries to Joel Matip and Fabinho earlier this week, and if he were to rediscover some of his old form, then he could prove to be a strong addition to Jurgen Klopp's squad.
What's the word?
According to The Athletic, Liverpool have enquired about taking the Frenchman on loan this month, as they look to add defensive reinforcements to their side.
However, it also suggests that any potential loan deal would likely include an obligation to buy for £20 million, due to the close proximity of the two clubs in the Premier League table.
A replacement for Matip?
If he were to join the Reds on a permanent deal, then he could well prove to be a long-term replacement for Matip in this Liverpool side, with the Cameroon international's injury problems having caused frustration in his time with the club, none more so than this season, when he has regularly been sidelined at a time where Klopp needed him to stay fit.
Since joining West Ham from Toulouse in 2018 for a club-record £22 million, the defender has gone on to make 78 appearances for West Ham, contributing five goals and one assist.
After making 32 appearances in the top-flight last season, Diop has struggled to establish himself in the Hammer side this season, having made just four appearances in the Premier League.
The Frenchman has slipped down the pecking order in David Moyes' side as a result of the strong form they have enjoyed with Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna at the back.
The defender's performances in the 2018/19 season suggested that he could be a star of the future in this West Ham side but his performances have declined ever since.
However, if Klopp could get the best out of him, he could prove to be a solid addition to his side, especially in the current defensive crisis, where the German manager is desperate for some experience at the back.
Back in 2019, Jose Mourinho was full of praise for Diop after he impressed against his Manchester United side, saying:
“(He had a) fantastic match. Congratulations to the scout that found a 21-year-old kid Diop - a monster who dominated in the duels.”
Therefore, considering Diop is just 24-years-old, it could be worth the risk for Michael Edwards to bring him to Anfield this month, especially if he can produce those sorts of performances on a more regular basis under Klopp's tutelage.
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