Liverpool remain interested in signing Schalke centre-back Malick Thiaw, according to reports in the German media.

It was reported back in March that the Reds, along with Arsenal and Manchester City, were keeping tabs on the teenager. At the time, the Finnish defender had a £7m release clause but he signed a new four-year contract back in July which means he is not available for such a low price.

Even so, the Reds are still believed to be in regular contact with Thiaw through the club’s scouts, although it remains to be seen whether they will make an approach in the January transfer window.

The 19-year-old would hardly be seen as a replacement for Virgil van Dijk with the centre-half having only made seven senior appearances in his career so far.

This season, Thiaw has made three appearances for the first team, and he actually scored his first senior goal in the 1-1 draw against Stuttgart last weekend.