If the Red Devils included a defender as part of the deal it is likely to have been either Chris Smalling, Phil Jones or Marcos Rojo.
All three struggled with consistency and injury last season for United.
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol believes Diop could be a key signing and fits Solskjaer’s philosophy.
“Diop has been on United’s radar for quite a while,” Solhekol said.
“If you think back to September of last year he played against United when West Ham won 3-1 at the Olympic Stadium.
Man Utd transfer news: West Ham have rejected an initial offer for Issa Diop (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd transfer news: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to sign a defender this summer (Image: GETTY)
“He was very impressive that day, so much so that the United manager at the time, Jose Mourinho, singled him out for praise.
“He said ‘I would like to congratulate the scout who found this player, he was absolutely phenomenal, he won all his duels’. So he’s a player United know very, very well.
“Interestingly, he is a player that fits United’s profile this summer.
“We know they are looking to sign younger hungrier players.
“They have already signed Daniel James from Swansea City. They’re in talks to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace as well.
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West Ham transfer: Behind the scenes at Issa Diop's first day
Man Utd transfer news: Issa Diop would add steel to the Red Devils defence (Image: GETTY)
“He’s 21 years old, Issa Diop is 22.
“He is somebody that fits that profile. Solskjaer is looking for young hungry players and Issa Diop is a player they’re interested in.”
Diop enjoyed his first season with West Ham featuring in 33 Premier League games.
He formed a solid relationship with Angelo Ogbonna though the Hammers did concede 55 Premier League goals.