Liverpool target Joel Matip 'rejects new contract'

Schalke's Cameroonian defender Joel Matip vies for the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Schalke 04 vs Hamburger SV in the German city of Gelsenkirchen on August 11, 2013
© Getty Images
Liverpool target Joel Matip reportedly rejects the offer of a contract extension with Schalke.

Liverpool target Joel Matip has rejected the offer of a contract extension with current club Schalke 04, according to German newspaper Bild.

The 24-year-old defender is out of contract in the summer and could leave on a free transfer, although Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is preparing to submit a bid of £4m in an attempt to prise him away from the Bundesliga next month.

Schalke coach Andre recently 'ruled out' a sale of Matip in January as he looks to maintain a push for the top four in the second half of the season.

The newspaper claims that Schalke will submit an improved offer to Matip in the coming weeks.

Schalke's Cameroonian defender Joel Matip vies for the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Schalke 04 vs Hamburger SV in the German city of Gelsenkirchen on August 11, 2013
Read Next:
Liverpool step up Joel Matip interest?
>
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CLeicester CityLeicester362211364343077
2Tottenham HotspurSpurs361913467283970
3Arsenal361910759342567
4Manchester CityMan City361971068383064
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd35179943311260
6West Ham UnitedWest Ham351514660431759
7Southampton361691153391457
8Liverpool3515101059481155
9Chelsea351212115548748
10Stoke CityStoke36139143852-1448
11Everton351014115549644
12Watford35128153642-644
13Swansea CitySwansea361110153750-1343
14West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom361011153246-1441
15Bournemouth36118174363-2041
16Crystal Palace36109173646-1039
17Newcastle UnitedNewcastle3689193964-2533
18Sunderland35711174058-1832
19Norwich CityNorwich3587203561-2631
RAston Villa3637262772-4516