West Ham United have once again been linked with a move for Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car this week...

What's the word?

The 24-year-old is among the list of central defensive targets this summer, according to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee, nearly a year on from their initial interest.

Other reports from The Athletic suggest that despite the Ligue 1 outfit's €20m (£18m) valuation, he is expected to depart for a fee in the region of just €15m (£13m).

The Hammers failed in their attempts to sign him last year as they could not offer European football, something that now puts them at a major advantage, having qualified for next season's Europa League.

Bye-bye Diop?

David Moyes appears to be fairly well-stocked in the defensive department, though they do require some strength in depth.

Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson are likely to enter the 2021/22 campaign as his first-choice duo, with Aaron Cresswell dropping into a back three when required, so where does that leave Issa Diop?

At just 24, his career is by no means finished but his time at the London Stadium could be forcibly ended by the arrival of Caleta-Car.

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Back in April, Irons fansite Claret & Hugh claimed the Frenchman could be a possible departure during the summer transfer window, alongside players like Felipe Anderson, Manuel Lanzini and Andriy Yarmolenko.

The commanding 6 foot 4 Croatian international would give Moyes a more solid and imposing option at the back. He averaged 2.5 aerials won and found the net twice across 33 league appearances last term, via WhoScored.

Furthermore, he's proven effective with the ball at his feet, recording a better pass success rate (86.1%) than any of the Hammers' current squad.

Former Premier League defender and international teammate Dejan Lovren has tipped him for big things and that will only provide further encouragement in any move for him this summer.

He told La Provence: "In my opinion, Duje could easily play in England. He is physically very strong, stronger than other players. He will explode in a few years and become even stronger."

For just £13m, David Sullivan and co could land an absolute bargain for Moyes' backline, the only potential downside would be the fact that it pushes Diop closer to the exit door.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee drops encouraging transfer claim that'll have many Irons fans buzzing...