Liverpool to seal Matip deal

Liverpool are close to wrapping up a pre-contract for Schalke defender Joel Matip, according to reports.

The Cameroon international has been tipped to leave Schalke once his contract expires at the end of the season.

According to Reviersport, the 24-year-old has reached an agreement with the Merseysiders over a summer move.

It is added that the Reds are expected to announce the player's arrival before the end of the week.

Matip has made over 230 appearances for the Gelserkirchen outfit since his debut in 2009.