Matip, who has other options beyond Liverpool to consider before any deal is rubber-stamped, is a 24-year-old centre-half. He is available on a Bosman and can sign a pre-contract agreement from Jan 1. Schalke are eager for him to sign a new deal but Matip is seen by Klopp as a replacement for Kolo Touré, who is in the final year of a Liverpool contract that will not be renewed.