Liverpool are in the market for a new defender after missing out on Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, with Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck being a target for the Reds, according to TEAMtalk.
Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Manchester City are closing in on the signing of Guehi, who was left out of Palace's squad to face Sunderland at the weekend. GIVEMESPORT sources confirmed back in the summer that Liverpool were close to signing Guehi, but a move fell through on deadline day.
With Guehi out of contract this summer, a host of clubs will likely have been battling to secure his signature, including Liverpool, but Man City burst ahead in the race by paying a fee for him this month. As a result of Guehi heading to Manchester, it's back to the drawing board in terms of Liverpool's search for a centre-back.
Liverpool Eyeing Centre-Back Move
Nico Schlotterbeck celebrating after scoring for Borussia Dortmund
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are interested in signing Dortmund centre-back Schlotterbeck as they prepare to make a move for a new defender in the summer transfer window. The Merseyside outfit weren't planning to bring in Guehi in the January window, but there's no doubt they would have been keen if he was available for nothing in the summer.
The German defender, described as a 'world-class' centre-back by TEAMtalk, has enjoyed an impressive rise over the last few years. Ibrahima Konate is set to be out of contract in the summer, so signing a new centre-back could become a major priority for Arne Slot's side.
Schlotterbeck now appears to be one of their key targets, but it certainly won't be easy for them to convince the Bundesliga club to sanction a sale.
Schlotterbeck's Ideal Profile for Liverpool
Nico Schlotterbeck
In the modern era, it's incredibly common for sides to look for balance in their centre-back pairings, with a left-footed player on the left-hand side. It's hugely beneficial for teams that look to build out from the back, offering a comfortable option on the left to receive the ball and play forward.
Schlotterbeck operates on the left-hand side of defence, and could provide Liverpool with the perfect balance. Although Virgil van Dijk predominantly plays on the left-hand side, that's perhaps due to Liverpool's lack of a left-footed option in defence. Schlotterbeck's ball-playing ability and natural fit into Liverpool's setup would make him a smart signing, if they can prise him away from Dortmund in the summer.