Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sat 14 September 2024 11:57, UK

West Ham are working “pretty hard” to make a free agent centre-back signing, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that former Liverpool defender Joel Matip “ticks a lot of boxes.”

The Irons are restricted to only looking at free agents until the transfer window opens in January, and Julen Lopetegui would like further depth in this area.

West Ham lost Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd in the summer transfer window which has left the club short, particularly if any current squad members were to get injured.

Football Insider revealed that Lopetegui had been looking to sign former Sheffield United captain John Egan, with the central defender even participating in a practice match for the Hammers.

However, he chose to sign for Burnley, leaving West Ham still searching for centre-back cover.

West Ham could push to sign Joel Matip

Matip is an option that Lopetegui could now turn to as he is still without a club after departing Anfield at the end of last season.

The 33-year-old played 201 games for Liverpool and could slot straight into the West Ham team if called upon.

Matip hasn’t played a game since December after suffering a cruciate ligament injury, but he has now recovered.

Football Insider previously revealed that the Irons have registered an interest in Matip, but there were concerns over his durability.

Football Insider also reported that the Londoners have made signing another forward a top priority and are working on a deal behind the scenes.

The club wants to provide Lopetegui with more attacking options, especially as Antonio and Danny Ings’ contracts are set to expire at the end of this season.

In other news, West Ham told to axe ‘awful’ Tomas Soucek – expert.

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