Liverpool have secured a pre-contract agreement with Schalke 04 centre-back Joel Matip, according to reports.

The Cameroon international will move to Anfield once his existing deal with the Bundesliga club expires this summer.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Matip rejected Die Königsblauen’s attempts to tie him down with a new contract in favour of a move to Merseyside.

The 24-year-old, who has also recently been linked with Newcastle United and Sunderland, was identified as a target prior to the recent transfer window.

However, despite Liverpool’s injury crisis at the turn of the new year, the club decided against moving for the defender immediately and instead preferred to arrange a free transfer.

Matip, who can also play in midfield, is set to become the second permanent signing of Jurgen Klopp’s reign at Liverpool.

Source: Independent

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