It's clear that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp wishes to strengthen his options in central defence for next season, as while the loan signing of Steven Caulker is only a short term solution to an injury crisis, the German appears to have stolen a bargain from the Bundesliga for the 2016/17 campaign.
Reports have emerged claiming that Liverpool have agreed a deal in principal for the free signing of Cameroon international Joel Matip, with the Schalke player out of contract in the summer.
The Mirror appear to have initially broken the story, which will no doubt arouse suspicion of it's legitimacy, but an update from leading Liverpool blog Anfield HQ has confirmed that a deal has indeed been agreed:
Just spoken to Dave Maddock. He's stressed #LFC have had talks with Matip & a deal has been agreed in principle, but nothing signed. #lfc
— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) January 13, 2016
At only 24 years of age, with bags of experience having broken into the first team at the age of 17, Matip would represent an excellent piece of business for Liverpool. Schalke fans will no doubt be disgusted with the handling of one of their key players' contracts as they will now receive nothing for him in terms of a transfer fee, but those who align themselves with the red half of Merseyside will surely be pleased.
However, as anyone who has played Football Manager will know, a deal agreed in principal is not final as the player is free to talk to other clubs, but it's a very good sign and surely Klopp will be a major draw for the player.
A tall defender, good in the air, and quick for a man of his size, Matip has grown into a very solid Bundesliga defender, and was listed in our Top 10 of out of contract players that are free to hold contract talks as of this month. He's got some other, more "mainstream" honors too, of course.
To get Liverpool fans in the mood, here's a comparison video with Mats Hummels that the official Bundesliga YouTube channel put together ahead of Dortmund vs Schalke back in November:
