Secrets of how West Ham signed ‘Monster’ Diop

JOSE MOURINHO was pointed in his praise of West Ham’s ‘monster’ of a centre back Issa Diop. ‘Congratulations to the scout who found the 21-year-old kid, Diop, a monster who dominated everything in the duels,’ effused Mourinho, not least because he had asked for such a defender himself this summer. Mourinho could justifiably argue that it was hard to miss the 6ft 4in Diop as he broke through at Toulouse. Indeed, United scouts were aware of the France Under 21 star, as were Barcelona, Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton. Three other clubs were interested: Fulham, Sevilla and Dortmund. Yet it was West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan who took a £22m gamble on the advice of agent Mark McKay, including a favourable and creative payment deal over the four years of his contract. McKay was the same agent who tipped off the club about Dimitri Payet. ‘Plenty of clubs were talking about Issa, but they were all waiting for each other to make a move,’ said McKay. ‘It was clear he was a top talent. He’s quick, good in the air, good on the ball and his legs are telescopic. Credit to David Sullivan, he spoke to Mario Husillos and pushed the hardest. In a market where clubs are demanding £75m for a centre back, they’ve got themselves a great prospect.’