Ipswich Town Transfer News: Tractor Boys ‘reach agreement’ for World Cup centre back

Newly-promoted Ipswich Town have reportedly ‘reached an agreement' to sign Fulham and Morocco centre half Issa Diop, with a fee believed to be in the region of £8.5m.

Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton had voiced that the club had several deals in advanced situations after Kieran McKenna's surprise resignation, suggesting that the new manager would be crucial in finalising any transfers.

It would seem that new boss Gary O'Neil has rubber stamped this deal, which will add vast Premier League experience to his defensive unit. 

Diop set for medical ahead of Ipswich transfer

According to Foot Mercato, and since verified by outlets close to the Suffolk-based club, 29-year-old Diop is set to undergo his medical today, ahead of signing a four-year deal. 

O'Neil and his squad flew out to their pre-season training camp this morning and will be desperate to get Diop – and any other new faces – to join them at their La Manga resort as soon as possible. 

Last season, McKenna bemoaned signings coming late in the window. The former Manchester United assistant regularly cited the team needing time to gel.

With Ipswich tipped by the bookies to suffer relegation in the season ahead, they cannot afford a slow start this time round. 

Ipswich set to seal second transfer of summer

After adding striker Emersonn to their ranks from Toulouse in early July, Diop is set to become Ipswich's second signing of the summer, in what is expected to be a hectic period for the Blues. 

The 6'5 Diop, who ironically started his career with Toulouse, will bring huge physically to the club. His addition will also add much needed top-level experience too, with the centre-back having racked up over 170 Premier League appearances across spells with West Ham and, more recently, Fulham. 

The former Hammer, who will have a familiar face at Portman Road in the shape of Ben Johnson, will boast more Premier League appearances than any other player in O'Neil's squad.