Man Utd eye up £45million transfer bid for West Ham star Issa Diop as Solskjaer looks to resolve hole in defence

MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly interested in signing West Ham centre-half Issa Diop for £45million plus a player.

The Frenchman, 22, shone for the Hammers last season and has reportedly caught the eye of those at Old Trafford.

According to , the Red Devils are willing to splash the cash and offer a player in return as they look to patch up their leaky defence.

However, West Ham have reportedly made it clear that Diop is not for sale and would not even consider offers under £60million.

In September, United's boss at the time heaped praise on the youngster after he played an integral part in West Ham's 3-1 win over United at the London Stadium.

After hauling Paul Pogba off on 70 minutes, the Portuguese hailed the Hammers' centre-half for his utterly commanding performance.

"He had a fantastic match, congratulations to the scout that found a 21-year-old kid Diop - a monster who dominated in the duels."

The east-Londoners signed Diop from Toulouse for a then club-record £22million last summer and he went on to feature 38 times last season.

In that time he has struck up a fantastic relationship with the fans - recently declaring his desire to become the club's next Rio Ferdinand.

Talking of his special relationship with West Ham's supporters, he said: "They don’t necessarily want the best players but they want a good guy.

"Players who want to play for the shirt.

"Players willing to give everything on the pitch."

United conceded 54 goals last season and have recently been linked with Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer attempts to address their defensive woes.