Liverpool have reportedly begun discussions with Hoffenheim over a summer move for defender Niklas Sule.

The 20-year-old has established himself as a first-team regular for the Bundesliga outfit this season, starting all 27 of their league matches.

However, Hoffenheim are currently in the relegation playoff spot and only sit outside the automatic relegation places on goal difference.

Sule, who captains the German Under-21 side, is contracted to Hoffenheim until 2019, but German publication Bild reports that Jurgen Klopp will move for the big centre-back this summer.

Klopp has already secured the services of Joel Matip for next season, but is understood to be looking at further defensive reinforcements.

Reports have also suggested that Liverpool are interested in Sule's teammate Kevin Volland too, with the 23-year-old Germany international forward reportedly available for around £12m.