Jose Mourinho would be interested in signing Joel Matip if the defender is allowed to leave Liverpool this summer, according to a new report.
The 31-year-old defender who made the move to Anfield in the summer on 2016 from Schalke 04 is out of contract next summer and has been touted as a departure Liverpool could sanction to raise funds ahead of a decisive summer on Merseyside.
According to Forza Roma, the German-born Cameroonian's skillset is one that "interests" Mourinho and he would be keen on making use of the Premier League's free market once again, as he did with Nemanja Matic last summer upon the expiration of his Manchester United contract.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp gives blunt answer over John Henry talks and responds to Liverpool social media critics
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp rules two Liverpool players out for Spurs and 'bad knock' for Diogo Jota
The report adds that it will be a "summer of farewells" at Liverpool with Roberto Firminio already confirmed to be leaving the club after eight, trophy-laden years in L4 and could be joined by Naby Keita and the aforementioned Matip.
"Joel Matip who will not renew the contract expiring in 2024 and has already had Klopp's approval for departure," reads the report., before adding: "Matip was also offered in Italy where Milan and Juve have been following him for some time."
The emergence of Ibrahima Konate as Virgil's van Dijk first-choice defensive partner has seen Matip fall down the pecking order this term with injuries and poor performance limiting the defender to just 13 appearances in the Premier League this term.
It is expected that the Reds will sanction the exit of one senior defender this summer and look to bolster their ranks with a younger replacement, with Liverpool's No.32 expected to be the figure who closes the chapter on a fine Anfield career in which he has won every top-level trophy.
Matip started Liverpool's victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium on Wednesday and scored what proved to be the winner with a bullet header midway through the first half. However, it is expected that Konate will be given the nod for Tottenham Hotspur's visit to Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
READ NEXT:
Four things spotted in Liverpool training as Ibrahima Konate returns but quartet absent
Jude Bellingham 'chooses' next club after Liverpool transfer decision
Liverpool could still qualify for Champions League thanks to Man United
Jurgen Klopp gives blunt answer over John Henry talks and responds to Liverpool social media critics
David Moyes confirms Howard Webb talks after Liverpool penalty controversy
