Liverpool are continuing their pursuit of Schalke defender Joel Matip, according to Sky Sports.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is on a lookout for a defender after a hamstring injury has ruled out Martin Skrtel until February and it is believed the Matip is now of his main targets.

The 24-year-old centre-back is currently in the last year of his contract with the Bundesliga club and would be available for a cut-price in January.

Schalke have failed in their attempts to convince the German-born Cameroon international into signing a new contract and Liverpool are still keen to lure him to Anfield this winter.