Liverpool face competition for Schalke defender Malick Thiaw.

The Daily Mail says Manchester City and Arsenal have joined Liverpool in the race to sign Thiaw.

The 18-year-old central defender gained interest from Premier League scouts after making his Bundesliga debut earlier this season.

Jurgen Klopp is in the market for a new central defender and eyes a replacement for Dejan Lovren who is leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season.

He could also look to Joel Matip to help seal the switch with the fellow defender also starting his career at Schalke.

But with a reported £7million release clause in Thiaw's contract, Liverpool are braced to face serious competition.