Transfer report: Liverpool tipped to complete January deal for Schalke defender Joel Matip

Schalke defender Joel Matip could be on his way to Liverpool next month, according to reports in Germany.

Jurgen Klopp is understood to be eager to replenish his defensive options in the January transfer market, with the likes of Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho yet to impress the German.

According to Bild, Matip has rejected a new contract worth around £2.9m a year at Schalke and is keen to hear what Liverpool have to offer.

Klopp is known to be a big admirer of Matip from his time in charge of Borussia Dortmund.

The 24-year-old's ability to operate as a defensive midfielder is another reason why the Kop Club are expected to make an offer.

The Cameroon international has spent his entire senior career with Schalke after graduating from the club's second string in 2009.