Schalke defender Joel Matip is unlikely to extend his contract with the Bundesliga outfit, amidst strong interest from English Premier League giants Liverpool.

The 24-year-old’s contract with the Bundesliga outfit expires at the end of the current season and Matip is now free to negotiate a pre-contract with any club.




The Cameroon international has been identified by Jurgen Klopp as a prime target to help bolster his side’s defence, with the Reds currently having a negative goal difference in the league.

The Anfield outfit have the worst goal difference among the top 10 teams in the English Premier League and the Reds have conceded 32 league goals this season.
 


According to German magazine Reviersport, Schalke’s sporting director Horst Heldt wanted the defender’s contract extension to be resolved by the end of the month.

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However, no more negotiations have been planned between Die Knappen and Matip this month, and the defender could be on his way out of the Veltins Arena.

Matip has made 23 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit this season, scoring three goals in the process, and has helped his side remain within six points of third placed Hertha Berlin.