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West Ham want Anthony Martial from Manchester United for Issa Diop

By Kevin Parvizi

Manchester United's French striker Anthony Martial (R) celebrates with Manchester United's English striker Marcus Rashford (L) after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London on October 20, 2018. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
Manchester United's French striker Anthony Martial (R) celebrates with Manchester United's English striker Marcus Rashford (L) after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London on October 20, 2018. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Man United are desperately trying to find upgrades across their back four and have identified West Ham United defender Issa Diop as one of their top targets.

At 22 years old, Issa Diop is one of the best up-and-coming defensive players in the Premier League, so Manchester United’s strong interest in the West Ham United starter has been nothing short of understandable. United failed to qualify for the Champions League last season and have holes across their roster, but their biggest issues lie in defense; not a single center back or fullback had a strong 2018-2019 campaign for the Premier League’s most powerful club.

United reportedly bid 45 million pounds plus an unnamed player for Diop, but West Ham weren’t willing to sell one of the Premier League’s top center backs for that price. Now, The Independent reports that West Ham would like to receive Anthony Martial from United “if any deal is to be done”.

That is a lofty asking price, and it’s another sign that West Ham would prefer not to sell Diop at any price other than an exorbitant fee. The interest in Martial is also notable, and it shows that West Ham, whose fan base has been clamoring for Eintracht Frankfurt star Sebastien Haller this summer, are looking to be as competitive as they possibly can be.

Per The Independent, Manchester United don’t seem to be willing to part ways with Martial. Likewise, this makes sense. Martial’s consistency has been called into question, but his talent never has. With the possible exception of Marcus Rashford, Martial may have the most individual quality of any player on United.

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The Diop transfer saga will continue to rage onward, and West Ham’s interest in Martial certainly adds another interesting layer. It will take a massive bid for Diop to leave West Ham, and it seems like this deal could be contingent on how much United would like to keep Martial – a possible building block for their attack – in order to acquire a possible building block for their defense.

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