Liverpool have opened talks with Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck. The 26-year-old has been on Liverpool’s radar for over a year as the club continue to monitor possible replacements for Ibrahima Konate.
Konate has so far refused a new contract with Liverpool and continues to be linked with a free transfer to Real Madrid in the summer. Schlotterbeck has shunned Dortmund’s contract renewal efforts, having been disappointed with the club’s €8m gross per year proposal.
The Germany international is understood to be seeking more compensation and TeamTalk has reported that his representatives have now opened talks with interested suitors including Liverpool. Schlotterbeck has just over 18 months remaining on his current deal.
The player is reportedly not ruling out a new deal with Dortmund but is open to other options near and abroad. Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on Schlotterbeck as they face uncertainty around a conract rebel of their own in Dayot Upamecano.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are also linked with the Schlotterbeck.
Liverpool keen on Schlotterbeck
Defence is believed to a major area of concern for Liverpool next summer. Konate’s likely departure leaves a hole to fill, while skipper Virgil Van Dijk will be turning 35.
The Reds will likely be looking for long term replacements for both. They chased Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi for most of last summer before agreeing a deadline day deal for the player, only for the deal to collapse in the dying moments.
Summer signing Giovanni Leoni suffered a long term injury leaving only Joe Gomez as senior defensive cover. Liverpool are believed to still be on the trail of Guehi – who will be a free agent in the summer – but now face competition from a host of suitors.
Bayern’s Dayot Upamaceno is another potential free transfer target for the Reds. Schlotterbeck however is likely to cost close to £50m as his contract expires in 2027.
