Schalke's Matip set to join Liverpool on free transfer

Schalke have announced their defender Joel Matip is to join Liverpool at the end of the season.

Matip will move on a free transfer when his current contract with the Bundesliga side expires this summer, and reports have suggested he is set to be on a four-year deal at Anfield.

In a statement on their official website on Monday afternoon, Schalke confirmed their efforts to convince the 24-year-old to stay had been in vain.

Chief executive Horst Heldt said: "We have since May last year had many intensive discussions, both with Joel and his advisor. It was soon clear that factors would be decisive for Joel's decision that we ultimately could not influence."