"Another potential signing" - talkSPORT reporter drops NUFC transfer claim on £22m "monster"

Newcastle United could sign West Ham United central defender Issa Diop if the Hammers succeed in drafting in a replacement ahead of tonight's 11pm deadline, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The Magpies became the richest club in world football thanks to the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund leading a £305million takeover in October and it appears there could be more arrivals today.

The Sun have revealed that Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has set his sights on signing Diop from West Ham in the final hours of the January window.

The report suggests Howe, who was appointed in November, is eager to secure two defenders with Premier League experience and has enquired about taking the 25-year-old off the Hammers' hands, with the east Londoners open to offers close to the £10million mark.

Diop made the move to West Ham three-and-a-half years ago, with them forking out a then-club record fee of £22million to prise him away from Toulouse.

Long-term injuries to Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma resulted in Diop enjoying an extended run in boss David Moyes' side, with him starting eight of the Hammers' last nine Premier League fixtures.

He boasts plenty of English top flight experience, with Diop taking his tally to 91 appearances in the competition, while he has also been described as a 'monster' by Jose Mourinho.

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Crook understands that Diop is among a list of central defenders being targeted by Howe in the final hours of the transfer window.

However, the talkSPORT reporter believes it may be difficult for Newcastle to conclude a deal before tonight's 11pm deadline.

That is because he reckons West Ham will only be willing to