Schalke defender Malick Thiaw has welcomed interest from Liverpool.

Thiaw has been linked with an Anfield switch over the last 12 months.

BILD says Liverpool have maintained 'regular contact' regarding Thiaw via their scouts.

And Thiaw has now responded to speculation he could arrive as a January reinforcement - admitting he is flattered by links.

“Of course you're happy when big clubs are after you, but it was actually clear to me that I would stay at Schalke," he told Schalke TV.