Liverpool set to announce Joel Matip signing
Jurgen Klopp has begun repairing Liverpool's suspect defence by landing Schalke's Joel Matip on a Bosman signing.
Matip, 24, will join Liverpool on July 1 on a free transfer after being identified as the man to help shore up the Reds' leaky backline.
Klopp knows the German-born Matip well from his nine years with Schalke and he has been an ever present for the Bundesliga side this season.
It is understood the 6ft 4ins centre-half has agreed a four-year deal with Liverpool and becomes Klopp's second signing, following Red Star Belgrade midfielder Marko Grujic.
Matip hasn't missed a minute of action in the Bundesliga for Schalke so far this season.
Even at the end of January, the German club had remained hopeful that they could persuade the Cameroon international to remain in Gelsenkirchen.
But while the player's advisors met with Schalke general manager Horst Heldt, no agreement was forthcoming as he continued to stand firm over his desire for a new challenge.
Klopp has been an admirer of the defender since his time as Borussia Dortmund boss and has been keen to add the centre-back to his squad following his October arrival.
The German club refused to deal with the Reds in January, when Liverpool's defensive crisis prompted Klopp to sign Steven Caulker on a short-term loan.
Source: Daily Mirror
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