Liverpool in talks with defender over possible contract extension

Liverpool will be hoping to continue their fine start to the new season when they face West Ham United on Sunday. 

The Reds have won four of their five Premier League games so far and remain unbeaten across all competitions, having beaten Austrian side LASK 3-1 in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

The Hammers also arrive at Anfield in good form, having picked up ten points from their opening five matches.

Jurgen Klopp could make changes to his side having rotated his starting line up for the trip to Austria in midweek.

Defender Joel Matip could return to the Reds’ starting XI having only been used as a substitute last time out, and it appears that the defender’s importance to Klopp’s side could soon be recognised with a new contract.

As per Football Insider, the Merseyside club have entered into preliminary talks with Matip, 32, over an extension to his current deal.

Matip has started three of Liverpool’s Premier League games so far this season

The Cameroon international joined Liverpool from German side Schalke back in 2016 and has since made 191 appearances across all competitions.

The centre-back has, however, missed more than 50 games due to injury since the start of the 2020/21 season.

He is in the final year of his current contract, though, and would be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club in January.

With that in mind, Liverpool are working to secure the player’s future, however talks are said to be in the early stages.

During his time at Anfield, Matip has won seven trophies including the Premier League, Champions League and both domestic cups.

Matip currently competes with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez for a starting spot in Klopp’s side, however all four have suffered with injuries in recent seasons.