Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in signing West Ham United's French centre-back Issa Diop.
What's the word?
That is according to a fresh report from Foot Mercato, who claimed that Ralf Rangnick is keen to acquire the 25-year-old's services on behalf of new Red Devils boss Erik Ten Hag.
David Moyes' side would reportedly be prepared to let Diop depart in the summer for around €15m (£13m).
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Upgrade on Maguire
United have struggled in all areas this season, although it is their defence which has perhaps let them down the most.
With 52 league goals conceded this season, averaging a total of 1.5 conceded per match, the Red Devils have the sixth-worst defence overall in the current top-flight campaign.
Unsurprisingly, no defender has stood out for United, although Harry Maguire has been isolated for his performances by the media this season for some high-profile mistakes.
It is no wonder that Rangnick, who is set to take up a consultancy role with United next season, is eyeing up a move which would offer great value towards the club's ambition of bolstering their defensive depth.
Diop, who has been described as a "rock" by Sam Tighe on Twitter, is not as tried-and-tested as Maguire when it comes to receiving the ball under pressure, although he does boast a record of zero errors per 90, which highlights his quality on the ball in stark contrast to the £80m liability.
The French centre-back has become something of a forgotten man when it comes to the Premier League, starting just 29% of West Ham's top-flight games this season, although it is worth pointing out that injuries have played a massive part in him missing so much action.
As such, it may leave some of the United fanbase wondering exactly why Rangnick want to sign the £13m-rated Diop.
His performance in the Europa League clash against Lyon demonstrated exactly what the 6 foot 4 talent is truly about. He played an outstanding game at left centre-back which saw him make six clearances and three recoveries, all whilst maintaining his composure in possession as he achieved a respectable 86% pass accuracy.
Most importantly, he played a vital role in West Ham's clean sheet in the second leg of that Europa League quarter-final in France as the Irons advanced to the last four of the tournament.
He could well prove to be a more reliable upgrade on Maguire at United, as evidenced by his lack of errors, although Ten Hag may prefer a left-footed centre-back.
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