BREAKING: Ex Liverpool player set to make stunning return to the Premier League after leaving Liverpool

According to talkSPORT, West Ham are currently in negotiations to acquire Joel Matip.

After departing Liverpool at the conclusion of the previous season, the defender is currently a free agent.

In anticipation of a lengthy Premier League season, West Ham is seeking to enhance their defensive capabilities.

This summer, they have already signed Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo. However, they have also lost Thilo Kehrer, Angelo Ogbonna, Kurt Zouma, and Nayef Aguerd.

Julen Lopetegui’s team is exploring the free agent market due to the limited options available after the deadline.

The player’s current lack of a club would enable the completion of a transfer for Matip.

In 2016, Liverpool acquired the German defender on a free transfer.

The centre-back was instrumental in the Reds’ success under the popular manager, as he was one of Jurgen Klopp’s early acquisitions.

However, Matip also departed Anfield after eight years on Merseyside following Klopp’s decision to depart at the conclusion of the past season.

During that period, he appeared in 201 matches for Liverpool and scored 11 goals.

Matip also helped the Reds win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.

West Ham is anticipating a successful season in their inaugural campaign under Lopetegui.

The Hammers will be able to concentrate on the domestic competitions, as they do not have any European football matches scheduled.

It has been a consistent start to the season in the Premier League, with one victory in the first three games.

However, the team will be optimistic that they can continue to secure European football next term, as they have suffered two losses to Champions League tandem Aston Villa and Man City.