Klopp looks close to home for next Liverpool transfer to replace Matip

11 September 2023 , 06:42

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Nayef Aguerd has impressed for West Ham since his move last summer (Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool are monitoring the progress of West Ham's Nayef Aguerd ahead of a potential move next summer.

Jurgen Klopp will soon be planning a defensive rebuild, and with Joel Matip out of contract next summer he looks set to be the first to leave. The Reds engaged in a midfield overhaul over the summer and a similar pattern could occur at the back in 2024.

According to The Sun, Liverpool are considering a move for Hammers centre-back Aguerd as Klopp looks to bolster his defensive options at the end of the season. The 27-year-old, who arrived at the London Stadium for £30m from Rennes last summer, is also catching the attention of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

Aguerd has made three Premier League appearances so far this season, but missed his side's 3-1 win at Brighton after scoring and getting sent off in West Ham's 3-1 success over Chelsea. He was back in the side to face Luton before the international break and impressed as the Hammers ran out 2-1 victors.

But it was his Europa Conference League form last season that stood out as West Ham ended up winning the competition. Having missed up until November with an ankle injury, Aguerd returned just before the World Cup and played an important role for Morocco as they reached the semi-finals.

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Aguerd started in each of Morocco's first four games, including the penalty shootout win over Spain, but didn't feature in the quarter-final victory over France after picking up a thigh problem. Upon his return to West Ham, Aguerd was a firm fixture in the starting XI during the second-half of the campaign.

Nayef Aguerd is attracting interest from Liverpool and Manchester City (Getty Images)

The ex-Rennes defender made a further 17 Premier League starts and played in five of West Ham's six European matches en route to the Conference League final in 2023. Aguerd started against Fiorentina in Prague and shone as the Hammers won their first major trophy for 43 years.

His impressive form has since put both Liverpool and Man City on high alert, but Aguerd did recently inform his representatives that he was happy at West Ham. This was after Aguerd received offers from a club in the Saudi Pro League and two unnamed European suitors this summer.

Nuno Espirito Santo's Al-Ittihad showed late interest in Aguerd but failed to make an offer. It is unknown whether Liverpool or City are prepared to lodge a bid for Aguerd, but there will no doubt be interest in him if he continues to perform well for the Hammers in the Premier League and in Europe.

Kieran King