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Jurgen Klopp has begun repairing Liverpool's suspect defence by landing Schalke's Joel Matip on a Bosman signing, the Reds have confirmed.

Matip, 24, will join Liverpool on July 1 on a free transfer after being identified as the man to help shore up the Reds' leaky backline.

Schalke confirmed the move on Monday afternoon, with general manager Horst Heldt declaring: "His decision is nothing against Schalke. He wants to try something new."

Matip added: "I have always said that I would only bid goodbye to Schalke to experience something fundamentally new," Matip told Schalke's official website. "That's why I never considered a switch within the Bundesliga.

"And even though the decision was definitely not easy, I am convinced that now is the time to make the next step.

"Schalke 04 will always remain a big family to me. I was proud to play for this club. I will give it my all in the upcoming months to get the best results from this season. That's what I owe the fans and the team."

(Image: Getty)

Klopp knows the German-born Matip well from his time with Schalke and he has been an ever present for the Bundesliga side this season.

It is understood the 6ft 4ins centre-half has agreed a four-year deal with Liverpool and becomes Klopp's second signing, following Red Star Belgrade midfielder Marko Grujic.

Matip hasn't missed a minute of action in the Bundesliga for Schalke so far this season.

(Image: Getty)

PROFILE: Everything you need to know about Joel Matip

Even at the end of January, the German club had remained hopeful that they could persuade the Cameroon international to remain in Gelsenkirchen.

But while the player's advisors met with Schalke, no agreement was forthcoming as he continued to stand firm over his desire for a new challenge.

"We have held intensive talks since May 2015, both with Joel and his agent," added Heldt. "It soon became evident that we were not able to influence factors that would tip the balance in the end."

Klopp has been an admirer of the defender since his time as Borussia Dortmund boss and has been keen to add the centre-back to his squad following his October arrival.

The German club refused to deal with the Reds in January, when Liverpool's defensive crisis prompted Klopp to sign Steven Caulker on a short-term loan.

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