According to reports on Wednesday evening, Jurgen Klopp is eyeing up a move for highly rated Schalke centre-back Joel Matip next summer.
The always reliable Paul Joyce of the Express believes the Reds manager is a keen admirer of the German-born Cameroonian, and will look to complete a deal for him at the end of the season.
The 24-year-old is out of contract at Schalke next summer, and it appears unlikely that he will extend his stay in Germany beyond then.
Matip is widely seen as one of the best centre-backs in the Bundesliga, and the fact that he can also thrive in a defensive midfield role will likely appeal to Klopp.
Kolo Toure is set to leave Anfield once this season is complete, which means Liverpool’s defensive options will become even more limited than they currently are.
Reinforcements are clearly needed in that area, regardless of Toure’s future in fact, with Mamadou Sakho arguably the only top-class centre-back at Anfield.
As a right-sided centre-back, Matip could present a potential long-term partner for Sakho.
Matip is enjoying an impressive 2015/16 so far, and has been an almost ever-present for Schalke.
He has won an average of 3.7 aerial battles per game, which is something Liverpool are noticeably weak at currently, especially from set pieces, and he has come out on top in 57 percent of his duels.
A towering presence at 6’4″, he would represent a very positive signing should Klopp go through with a move for him next summer.
(Statistics provided by Squawka and WhoScored)
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