Liverpool closing in on signing their NEXT Joel Matip

Liverpool are now making moves to bring in a defender who could finally replace Joel Matip.

The Cameroonian international was absolutely adored during his time at Anfield. Matip was not only a brilliant defender but he was a brilliant character.

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His amusing antics in the dressing room made him a popular figure not only among his teammates but also the club's supporters.

There was really only one negative aspect about his time at Liverpool, and that was the fact that injuries were far too recurrent during the course of his career.

When fit, Matip was probably one of the best defenders in the world at certain points of his time at the club. Unfortunately that was rarely the case, especially towards the end of his time at Anfield.

After leaving last summer, Liverpool didn't really replace Matip. Instead Arne Slot promoted Jarell Quansah into the role left by him.

But now it seems like with Quansah set to leave Liverpool are closing in on a replacement.

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Everything points in the direction of Marc Guehi, who is homegrown, available and who Liverpool are expected to make a significant bid for.

It seems like the Reds are closing in on his signature, just like they have done with the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez.

Guehi makes a lot of sense, he can play left and right-sided centre-back, he's got a wealth of experience and with one year left on his contract Liverpool know they can get him for a reasonable price considering he is an England international, and that always demands a premium.

Not to mention the Reds are lacking in homegrown players in the squad at the moment, so his addition would solve a logistical headache.

But there is another reason why Guehi is a brilliant addition. And it's because he has a trait that made Matip such a popular figure at the club.

Matip thrived at bringing the ball out from the back, going past opposition players and roaming forward in wild ventures from the back.

Guehi has this same tendency. Out of centre-backs last season in the Premier League he averaged the third most dribbles (0.81 per 90).

He's also very effective at it, completing 80% of his take-ons which was the best among any player in the Premier League who at least attempted 25+ take-ons and played 2000+ minutes last season.

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Bringing that quality to Liverpool will ensure that the Reds will finally replace Matip's unique quality and that's why Guehi would be such a smart addition.