Issa Diop’s move to the Hammers was this afternoon described as “very close” with the assurance that, as reported, the switch by keeper Lukasz Fabianski is now complete.
The London Evening Standard initially reported that the top Toulouse prospect, centre back Diop, and the Swansea keeper’s move, would be announced within the next 24 hours.
And a few minutes ago it was confirmed to ClaretandHugh that the Diop move was “very close”.
With director of football Mario Husillos and his two assistants away from the club, both moves have been overseen by David Sullivan.
Reports in France claim that Diop will sign a five year deal on a wage of £67,500 a week and that a £2.2 million signing on bonus has also been agreed.
We have also learned that Javier Pastore now looks almost certainly Roma-bound who with Champions League cash available have apparently been able to offer the Argentine midfielder £170k a week.
Let Roma have him. Do we want a unproven PL player who is demanding a huge weekly wage plus all the add ons?
Bring in Jonjo in a permanent deal young enough and a proven PL player
Wouldn’t surprise me if there was another ‘hidden’ £5m or so in agent’s fees sloshing around the Pastore deal, which might have spooked West Ham.