Liverpool move for defender as Klopp reveals transfer update

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Published on:

15 Jan 2016, 5:46 am

By North-west correspondent Alex Stevens

Jurgen Klopp has hinted that Liverpool are trying to sign defender Joel Matip.

As revealed by Football Insider, the Merseysiders have made a contract offer to the centre-back, whose contract with Schalke expires in the summer.

Asked about Liverpool's pursuit of Matip at his media briefing on Friday, Klopp did not distance the club from a move for the 24-year-old.

He said: “There is nothing to say about it. If and when something is fixed you will be the first to know.”

A Liverpool source has told Football Insider that the club have offered Matip a lucrative deal as they attempt to steal a march on rival suitors.

Klopp has sanctioned a move for the Cameroon international, who has come through the ranks at Schalke and is well known to the German from his time in the Bundesliga.

Klopp has already signed Steven Caulker on loan from QPR until the end of the season after his hand was forced by injuries to Liverpool's four senior defenders.

Caulker came off the bench to make his debut for the Merseysiders in their thrilling 3-3 draw against Arsenal at Anfield on Wednesday night.

Deal maker: Klopp refused to distance Liverpool from Matip move

It is not known if Liverpool will make a permanent move for Caulker but the club is working on options to strengthen their backline.

Schalke want Matip, who has 27 caps for his country, to pen a new deal but that is looking increasingly unlikely.

Matip has remained a regular for Schalke this season, making 22 appearances for the Bundesliga side.

Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool FC

Joel Matip

Schalke