Newcastle United blocked from signing Joel Matip as West Ham United eye transfer
Newcastle United have been blocked in their pursuit of signing Joel Matip amid continued interest from West Ham United, according to the Shields Gazette.
The North East news outlet reported on their website [19 September] that the Magpies have no room left on their 25-man squad submitted to the Premier League to sign the centre-back, and are therefore unable to pursue a deal.
West Ham have emerged as one of the frontrunners for Matip, once described as a "wonderful person" by former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp [Goal, 17 May], and could be the most likely destination for the 33-year-old to return to the Premier League.
West Ham must decide whether to go all-in on Joel Matip
While a move to West Ham may appeal to the Cameroonian, he is not the only defender the club are considering in the free-agent market.
Oumar Solet, one of many transfer targets in East London this summer [HITC], has terminated his contract with RB Salzburg, reigniting the Hammers' interest with a move to the London Stadium a possibility for the Frenchman.
The decision facing Julen Lopetegui is whether to pick the more experienced option or take a punt on a player with a lot of potential that will need time to adapt to life in England.
With only three senior centre-backs at his disposal, the Spaniard must decide soon. Max Kilman and Jean Clair-Todibo are both works in progress, while Konstantinos Mavropanos as capable as he is, is hardly the most inspiring role model to his teammates.
Matip is a Premier League and Champions League winner with Liverpool, and his wealth of experience and expertise would help the defenders learn their craft and easily walk into East London as one of the most decorated players at the club.
Adding genuine title-winning experience to the side in Matip could be a very wise decision by the club.
In other West Ham news, Paul Merson shares his Chelsea worry ahead of facing West Ham.
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