[ad_pod ]

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are set to schedule contract talks with Joel Matip to avoid him becoming a transfer target for some of Europe's top clubs this summer.

What's the word, then?

The Cameroon international has emerged as a key member in Jurgen Klopp's squad this season, primarily in the second half of the campaign after an injury to Joe Gomez.

Since the England international broke his leg, Matip has stepped in superbly alongside Virgil van Dijk in the heart of defence to keep Liverpool's bid for a sixth European Cup on track; through no fault of his own, Matip couldn't end the Reds' long wait for a Premier League title.

He is now set to start his first Champions League final on Saturday, and according to the aforementioned report, Liverpool are keen to tie him down amid 'concerning' interest from top clubs.

Luis Suarez certainly had no qualms about celebrating against his former employers in the video below...

The former Schalke man's contract ends next summer, but Liverpool are keen to reward him with an extension.

Completely the right move

We've seen just how effective trusting your current players rather than replacing them constantly can be through Tottenham's decision not to make a signing in the last two transfer windows.

Klopp's Champions League final opponent has instead worked closely with what they already have and placed an enormous amount of faith in them, and it has paid dividends with a top-four finish and a place in a European Cup final.

There has been plenty of talk about Matthijs de Ligt potentially arriving at Anfield, and it sure would be tempting for Klopp to splash out on the wonderkid and allow him to take Matip's place in the team.

However, that would be so, so harsh.

Fresher reports have revealed that Liverpool have no intention of signing the Dutchman, and Liverpool's decision to schedule talks with Matip suggest he will be a key member of the side for next season.

Klopp and Liverpool are doing entirely the right thing in rewarding those who are playing well, instead of going out into the market looking to replace them.