Liverpool move ahead of Newcastle in the race to sign £10m Cameroon centre-half
30 September 2014 - Uefa Champions League - FC Schalke 04 v NK Maribor - Joel Matip of Schalke is closed down by Tavares of Maribor.
Liverpool are reportedly keen on signing Cameroon internatonal defender Joel Matip in the New Year.
The Premier League outfit, who salvaged a 2-2 draw at home to West Brom last weekend, are interested in signing the FC Schalke centre-half, who is out of contract next summer.
The 24-year-old, who has 27 international caps for his country, has scored three and assisted three goals in 21 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit so far this season.
Matip; who can also adjust to a defensive midfield role, is well known by Reds boss Jurgen Klopp during his time in charge of fellow German top-flight club Borussia Dortmund.
Premier League rivals Newcastle United reportedly had a £10m bid rejected for the Cameroonian during the summer transfer window.