Liverpool are reportedly planning a January move to sign West Ham star Nayef Aguerd and believe they can beat Manchester City to his signature by parting ways with a long-serving player.

During the summer, Liverpool rebuilt their midfield after the departure of several players. However, the exits of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson left them in search of reinforcements. Jurgen Klopp made four signings to strengthen the midfield, including Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Waturu Endo.

Klopp initially wanted to strengthen the defense during the summer window but shifted his focus to the midfield after the departures of Fabinho and Henderson. However, The Sun reports that Klopp will revisit his plan to bolster the defense in January and is targeting West Ham center-back Nayef Aguerd.

Aguerd, who arrived at West Ham in the summer of 2022, has become a key player for David Moyes, making 33 appearances and scoring three goals. Liverpool faces competition from Manchester City for Aguerd, but the Hammers are expected to demand a significant fee for the highly-rated center-back.

Klopp is reportedly willing to listen to offers for veteran defender Joel Matip, whose contract expires next summer. Aguerd could potentially replace Matip in the Liverpool squad, allowing Virgil van Dijk to switch to the right side of the central defense.

Liverpool is likely to make a sizable offer for Aguerd in January, giving them an advantage over Manchester City in the race for his signature.