Newcastle United remain in the hunt for Schalke defender Joel Matip.

Toon boss Steve McClaren recognises he needs to make defensive signings in January after a dismal campaign so far.

Matip came close to joining Newcastle last summer and remains on their radar.

The Cameroon defender's contract expires in June and he could be cashed in on over the winter market.

"We offered him a renewal. From our side everything is clear, but Joel wants to await developments," confirmed the club's sporting director Horst Heldt.