Liverpool step up Joel Matip interest?

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reportedly enhanced his interest in Schalke 04 defender Joel Matip.

Recent speculation had claimed that Klopp was prepared to wait until the summer to sign the 24-year-old when his contract with his current club is due to expire.

However, having lost both Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren to injuries in recent days, the Liverpool boss is now short of options in the centre of defence.

According to The Mirror, that has convinced Klopp to ramp up his pursuit of the Cameroon international.

The report adds that the Reds may need to submit an offer in the region of £4m to convince their German counterparts to do business.