Liverpool to bid for Joel Matip

Liverpool are expected to step up their interest in Schalke 04 defender Joel Matip in the New Year.

The Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is expected to move in for a new central defender following the club's 3-0 thumping at the hands of Watford over the weekend.

According to German sports daily Bild, the Merseyside giants are ready to make a move for Matip, whose existing deal is due to expire at the end of the 2015-16 campaign.

It is added that the Cameroon international has recently rejected an extension as he awaits an offer from a top European club.

Liverpool are currently ninth in the Premier League wth 24 points.