Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is reportedly ready to push for the contract renewal of Joel Matip.
In recent years, there have been minimal changes to the Liverpool backline with only Ibrahima Konate being regarded as a new addition.
Jarell Quansah has provided extra competition having been promoted from the academy ranks, but Klopp has opted against making significant alterations to an area that has sometimes received criticism.
However, with Virgil van Dijk and Matip now each 32 years of age and Joe Gomez having been recently recognised for his versatility over a regular spot in the centre, Klopp will eventually have to consider at least one more fresh face.
At one stage over the summer, it was assumed that Liverpool would be more open than not to parting ways with Matip, who is advancing in years as well as continuing to pick up injuries on a regular basis.
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Instead, the Cameroonian remained at Anfield and has been viewed as first choice in 2023-24, making a total of nine starts and one substitute outing in the Premier League.
Matip picked up a knee problem against Fulham at the weekend and is now expected to be sidelined in the long term after Klopp offered a pessimistic update on his timeframe for recovery.
Nevertheless, according to Football Insider, that will not prove to be detrimental to how Matip is viewed by Klopp and the club's transfer team.
The report says that Matip will soon be offered a new contract to remain at the Merseyside giants past the end of this season.
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While the report does not mentioned a specific length of contract, it may realistically be until 2025 with options to extend past that period.
Earlier this week, it was claimed that Klopp was prepared to put off Liverpool's search for a new central defender until the summer transfer window.
That alleged stance comes at a time when Liverpool possess the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League with 14 goals being conceded in as many games.
Klopp is expected to hand a recall to Konate in the absence of Matip when Liverpool square off against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Wednesday night.
Darren Plant
