United consider move for Pape Diop

Manchester United are considering a move for the giant Senegal international midfielder Pape Bouba Diop, according to the player.

Diop, who scored the opening goal of the World Cup finals in the shock 1-0 defeat of holders France, wants to play in the Premiership and has been watched by United representatives at his French club Lens.

The 23-year-old told World Soccer magazine: “Manchester United have been watching me regularly. They asked me to show them what I can do.

“I said ‘no problem’ and what happens next is down to my agents. All my efforts are put into playing as well as I can.

“It has been my dream to play in the English league ever since I was a kid. I’ve had a couple of offers but nothing came of them. Still, I’m only 23, I can wait.”

Diop has already shown he can mix it with the best as Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit came off worst against the midfielder and Liverpool’s equally imposing Salif Diao in the World Cup opener.