As The Pitch Prospect has learned, West Ham are in talks to sign Joel Matip.
The defender is a free agent after leaving Liverpool at the end of last season.
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With a view to a long Premier League season, West Ham are looking to strengthen their defensive options.
They have already signed Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo this summer, but lost Thilo Kehrer, Angelo Ogbonna, Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd.
With options limited after the deadline, Julen Lopetegui’s team is focusing on the free agent market.
A transfer of Matip would be quite possible, as the player is currently without a club.
The German defender moved to Liverpool on a free transfer in 2016.
As one of Jürgen Klopp’s first signings, the centre-back played a key role in the Reds’ success under the popular head coach.
But following Klopp’s decision to leave Anfield at the end of last season, Matip also moved on after eight years in Merseyside.
During this time he played 201 games for Liverpool and scored 11 goals.
Matip also helped the Reds win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and UEFA SuperCup.
West Ham are hoping for a successful first season under Lopetegui.
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With no European football on their calendar, the Hammers can turn their focus to domestic competitions.
A win from three Premier League games represents a solid start to the season.
But after two defeats against Champions League duos Aston Villa and Man City, there is now hope that they can bounce back next season and secure a place in European football.
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