Liverpool hero in talks for Premier League return just months after leaving Anfield

West Ham are reportedly in talks to sign Joel Matip who is still a free agent after leaving Liverpool last season.

Matip departed Anfield upon the expiry of his contract in July after eight successful years at Liverpool where he made 201 appearances under Jurgen Klopp.

The Cameroonian’s trophy haul included the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

But his final season with the club would end early thanks to a cruciate ligament injury which has meant he hasn’t played since last December.

Now ready to return to action he may well have found his new club, with Sky Sports reporting that West Ham are exploring the free agent market for a new centre-back.

The Irons have their eye on Matip and former Sheffield United star John Egan and talks have been held with the two players’ agents.

Julen Lopetegui has had a busy first summer at the London Stadium and has already overhauled his side’s defence, signing highly-rated centre-back duo Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo.

But the Spanish manager is concerned about the depth at the back especially following the sale of former captain Kurt Zouma and the loan exit of Nayef Aguerd.

Should Matip join the East London club in the next few days he could well make an appearance against his former side with West Ham set to travel to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup third-round on September 17.

Before that West Ham face Fulham in the Premier League on September 14 having won just one of their first three league games under new boss Lopetegui.

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