Joel Matip deal could give Liverpool the edge in Ryan Sessegnon pursuit

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Fulham’s new boss Claudio Ranieri has his eyes on his first January transfer target. According to reports in Turkey, the Cameroonian international Joel Matip is wanted by the Cottagers to help Ranieri strengthen the defence at Craven Cottage. They will reportedly battle with Fenerbahce for his signature in the winter.

Matip has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield. Virgil van Dijk is the undisputed starter, Joe Gomez is having an exceptional season whilst Dejan Lovren has had a fantastic year which saw him help Croatia to the World Cup final.

Liverpool should certainly do everything in their power to convince Matip into a Fulham move. Because it would be wise for Liverpool to be on good terms with the West London club. Smooth negotiations here could help them in pursuit of talented teenager Ryan Sessegnon.

The 18-year-old left-sided super talent is believed to have Liverpool among his long list of followers. John Aldridge urged Liverpool to move for the player this week and it is believed Sessegnon is key on an Anfield switch.

In March, the Express reported that Sessegnon wanted to join Liverpool in the summer if Fulham failed in their promotion bid. They claimed the player was a boyhood Liverpool fan and felt Jurgen Klopp would be his best mentor and would not hold him back with a lack of first-team football.

By accommodating a deal for Matip, Liverpool would be putting themselves on good terms with Fulham’s deal makers. Sessegnon remains a Fulham player for now but is not expected to stay for long. Relegation this year would undoubtedly see him lined up by the best teams in England once again.

Liverpool have a chance here to get the early edge.