Arsenal and Manchester City have reportedly joined Liverpool in the race to sign Schalke 04 defender Malick Thiaw.

The 18-year-old, who made his Bundesliga debut against Hoffenheim on March 7, has allegedly emerged as a transfer target for Liverpool ahead of this summer's transfer window.

Indeed, the Reds are believed to have been monitoring the teenager's development this season as they weigh up an approach at the end of the campaign.

However, according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal and City have also expressed an interest in the centre-back, who stands at 6ft 3in.

Thiaw is believed to have a £7m release clause in his current deal, although Schalke are thought to be attempting to tie the youngster to a new contract in order to raise the buy-out figure.

The defender has scored eight times in 20 appearances at Under-19 level this season.