Schalke 04 general manager Horst Heldt has revealed that they are planning imminent contract talks to try to persuade Joel Matip to stay at the club.
Liverpool have been strongly linked with the Cameroonian centre-back, with Sky Sports reporting earlier this month that we had put an offer on the table.
Matip’s contract with Schalke expires in the summer, but Heldt has said that they have arranged to meet with the player’s agent to try to agree an extension.
“We have agreed to an appointment [with Matip’s advisor] which will take place soon,” the Echo quote Heldt as saying. “I remain in good spirits and I hope that we can convince Joel to stay at Schalke.”
Schalke’s efforts might be fruitless because Sky Sports claim that the 24-year-old has already told the Bundesliga outfit that he wants to leave.
Matip has made 241 appearances in six years at Schalke, and Klopp will know the versatile defender well from his time in charge of Borussia Dortmund.
But, especially now that Steven Caulker has arrived on loan, it does not seem as though the Matip transfer saga will be resolved until the end of the season.
SEE MORE:
Klopp comments on likelihood of business in final days of January transfer window
Marko Grujic squad number: Serbian reveals shirt preferences – plus one he doesn’t want
Picture: Steven Gerrard watches FA Cup stalemate alongside former Liverpool teammate