There are reports tonight coming from foot Mercato saying that Fulham are looking to beat Lyon to the signing of West ham centre back Issa Diop. The Frenchman has endured a tough time since joining the Hammers never really tying down a first team place at the London stadium, he broke through as a young defender at Toulouse in his native France earning rave reviews as a youngster and being linked to some top sides in Europe.

He has played for France at every youth Level and made 95 apps in all competitions for Toulouse, at West ham he has made 118 apps and scored 8 goals as he offers a huge presence in both boxes.

Fulham will have to fend off french giants Lyon if they want to sign Diop, the whites are said to have offered €15m but there are still some things to iron out according to foot mercato, the €15m though is more than the €12m the French outfit have offered and now it looks like the west London side have stolen a march in the race.

It will now be up to Marco Silva to convince the Frenchman to stay in London and help Fulham fight for their Premier League survival.