Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip has emerged as a summer transfer target for Roma boss Jose Mourinho, according to a report.
The ex-Cameroon international has become a fan favourite at Anfield under Jurgen Klopp, but he has been bumped down the pecking order in the current season.
With Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk forming Klopp's first-choice defensive pairing, Matip has been restricted to just 20 appearances in all competitions this term, scoring twice.
The 31-year-old made just his 11th Premier League start of the season in last week's 2-1 win over West Ham United, scoring his side's second goal with a bullet header in a competent display.
However, Konate's imminent return means that Matip will likely be dropped back down to the bench for Sunday's clash with Tottenham Hotspur as speculation surrounding his future begins to intensify.
Matip is only under contract at Anfield until the summer of 2024, and the Reds are believed to be open to offers for the former Schalke 04 man in the upcoming window.
According to Forza Roma, the Giallorossi have emerged as contenders to sign Matip this summer, and manager Mourinho is an admirer of the Cameroonian's style of play.
Matip has apparently been given the green light by Klopp to seek out a new club, and Liverpool will entertain bids around the €15m (£13.3m) mark in the coming months.
Roma are not alone in their pursuit of the centre-back, though, as the report adds that Juventus and AC Milan have also been keeping tabs on Matip's situation with a view to a possible summer move.
Before moving for Matip, Roma are understood to be waiting for an answer from Eintracht Frankfurt's Evan Ndicka, who has also been linked with a move to Liverpool and is expected to come to a decision on his future by the end of the month.
Matip departed Schalke on a free transfer in 2016 to sign for Liverpool, and the defender has posted 11 goals and six assists in 186 outings for the Reds across all competitions.
The 31-year-old has scooped Premier League and Champions League glory under Klopp, as well as winning the FA Cup, EFL Cup, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield.
While Liverpool's primary focus for the summer window will be the arrival of at least one new midfielder, Klopp's side could also look to bolster their defensive ranks if Matip and Nat Phillips both depart.
The Merseyside giants are believed to be one of several sides tracking RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol, but they have now cooled their interest due to his hefty price tag.
A move for Benfica's Antonio Silva may not materialise either for the same reason, but Hajduk Split starlet Luka Vuskovic is thought to be on the Reds' radar. body check tags ::
