West Ham are in talks over a move to sign Joel Matip, talkSPORT understands.
The defender is a free agent after leaving Liverpool at the end of last season.
West Ham are looking to strengthen their defensive options with a long Premier League season in mind.
They’ve already signed Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo this summer but did lose Thilo Kehrer, Angelo Ogbonna, Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd.
With options limited after deadline day, Julen Lopetegui‘s side are looking to the free agent market.
A move for Matip would be able to be completed due to the player being without a club at present.
The German defender joined Liverpool on a free transfer in 2016.
As one of Jurgen Klopp‘s early signings, the centre-back played a key role in the Reds’ success under the popular boss.
But following Klopp’s decision to leave Anfield at the end of last season, Matip also moved on after eight years on Merseyside.
In that time, he made 201 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 11 goals in that time.
Matip also helped the Reds to win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
West Ham are hoping for a big season in their first campaign under Lopetegui.
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With no European football in their calendar, the Hammers will be able to put their focus into the domestic competitions.
One win from three games in the Premier League means it’s been a steady start this term.
But with two defeats coming against Champions League duo Aston Villa and Man City, the hope will be that they can kick on to secure European football next term.
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