Liverpool is on red alert as Nico Schlotterbeck declines to renew his contract with Borussia Dortmund.
The Reds are in the market for a center-back in 2026, as Ibrahima Konate's contract is due to run out at the end of this season. Marc Guehi, who has picked up an injury, was their primary target during the summer window, but the deal fell through on deadline day.
Liverpool had an offer accepted before Crystal Palace abruptly decided not to sell at the last minute. With his own contract set to expire next summer, Guehi will be free to sign a pre-contract with an overseas club when the January transfer window opens.
Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich have all shown interest, providing Liverpool with stiff competition.
Schlotterbeck, 25, presents an alternative option for the Reds after three and a half standout seasons in Dortmund. Liverpool's chances have now been given a lift, as the Germany international is reportedly refusing to extend his contract, which runs out in 2027.
The reason, according to Bild, is a disagreement with Dortmund manager Niko Kovac. Schlotterbeck is said to be dissatisfied with Kovac's pragmatic style of play.
Nico Schlotterbeck could be up for grabs
Nico Schlotterbeck could be up for grabs (Image: Getty Images)
The Bundesliga team began the season undefeated before a 2-1 defeat against Bayern last month.
Dortmund is yet to secure a win in November following a 4-1 loss away to Manchester City in the Champions League and Saturday's disappointing 1-1 draw with newly-promoted Hamburg, in which Schlotterbeck scored.
Dortmund is keen to retain him and is prepared to offer a new contract until 2030. Bayern is also showing interest, and Dortmund is all too familiar with its star players being poached by the Munich club.
When quizzed about Schlotterbeck, Dortmund CEO Lars Ricken stated: "We will not rush into anything. But of course, we don't want to drag it out indefinitely, everyone is aware of that."
Schlotterbeck himself spoke after a defeat to Bayern, saying: "I still have over a year and a half left on my contract. I'll sit down with Sebastian (Kehl, sporting director), work out a plan, and see where it leads.
"I feel very comfortable in Dortmund and have no problem continuing on this path. But it's obviously an important decision for my career."
Liverpool did bring in a center-back during the summer transfer window: Giovanni Leoni.
However, both Leoni and Liverpool suffered a blow when the Italian was sidelined for a year due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained on his debut for the Reds.