West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini is convinced by the quality of new signing Issa Diop.

Diop's £22m switch from Toulouse was confirmed yesterday.

Issa is a defender with great talent and character. He is only 21, but he has already established himself as a key player over a period of time with Toulouse," Pellegrini said.

"We believe he has defensive qualities that will be well suited to the Premier League - pace, power and a sharp concentration - and I also feel he will complement the other central defenders we have.

"We know that many other top clubs in England and Europe were keen to sign him, so it was important that we moved quickly to complete the deal."