David Moyes has categorically denied that West Ham would sanction a sale for French defender Issa Diop in January.
The manager firmly asserted that the former Toulouse man is not for sale after the 23-year-old attracted interest from traditional ‘big six’ Premier League clubs such as Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester United.
Prior to last night, Diop had failed to start a single game for the Hammers since having to quarantine at the start of the season in September. He has made just one appearance since then, coming off the bench for 27 minutes against Fulham in early November.
With Paraguayan international Fabian Balbuena impressing in his absence, Diop has found himself frozen out of first team plans as a result, fuelling speculation that Diop could be sold in January to raise funds.
However, quotes obtained via TEAMtalk swiftly shut down any suggestions of a sale as Moyes said:
“I’ve got no intention in letting any players go. Issa’s one of the players we really like.
“He started in the team, he picked up the virus at the same time as I did. Fabian Balbuena has come in and played very well, you know that’s what happens in football.
“But we’ve got no intention whatsoever letting Issa go. None.”
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At just 23 years of age, Diop retains significant potential. He was brought in during the summer of 2018 on a five-year deal, leaving little suggestion that he would be sold for a quick buck.
Conversely, his main intention is likely to be the present and future stalwart to command at the back for West Ham seasons to come. Any talk of a sale is at best premature for a promising high-calibre centre-back on whom Moyes will need to rely in matches to come.
Given the intensity of the winter fixture period, Diop may come to the fore out of necessity for the Irons.
