Exclusive: EU to probe deeper into Vodafone, Liberty Global deal - source

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU antitrust regulators are likely to launch a full-scale investigation into Vodafone's <VOD.L> $21.8 billion (17.09 billion pounds) purchase of Liberty Global's <LBTYA.O> assets in Germany and eastern Europe, a person familiar with the matter said.

The deal between Vodafone and U.S. cable pioneer John Malone's Liberty would enable the world's second-largest mobile operator to better compete with Deutsche Telekom <DTEGn.DE> in the German rival's home market.

The opening of a so-called in-depth investigation would in practical terms mean the European Commission's rejection of a request by the German cartel authority to take over the case.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee)