Manchester United are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck this summer, Sky Sport Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has claimed.
The Old Trafford side are reportedly keeping tabs on the Germany international, who will enter the final year of his contract in June and has not ruled out a departure.
If talks over a new deal fail to reach a breakthrough, Schlotterbeck could reportedly be available for around €30–35m (£26–30m) after the season.
The 26-year-old has been with Dortmund since the summer of 2022, when he joined from fellow Bundesliga side Freiburg on a five-year deal.
Man Utd Interested in Nico Schlotterbeck
Nico Schlotterbeck celebrating after scoring for Borussia Dortmund
Plettenberg, as quoted on X, revealed live on Sky Sport Germany that Schlotterbeck’s situation could be one to watch heading into the summer, with Manchester United monitoring the defender.
A left-footed centre-back, Schlotterbeck could come in as a replacement for Lisandro Martinez amid another injury-hit season for the Argentinian.
The 28-year-old has only made 14 Premier League appearances this term and last featured on February 10 in the 1-1 draw at West Ham.
His absence has afforded Leny Yoro an extended run in the starting XI at centre-back alongside Harry Maguire, with Matthijs de Ligt also unavailable due to a long-term issue.
The Dutchman has now been sidelined for almost four months with a lower back injury suffered in November.
Man Utd Targeting a New Left-Back
Luke Shaw
While United are expected to bring in reinforcements to their backline this summer, the focus is likely to be on finding a wide defender rather than a new centre-back.
With Tyrell Malacia expected to leave upon his contract expiry in June and Patrick Dorgu now potentially regarded more as an attacking option after impressing under interim boss Michael Carrick, a new left-back could be on the agenda for United in the coming months.
Luke Shaw, whose contract runs for another year, has been Carrick’s primary option on the left since he replaced Ruben Amorim in January, making 31 league appearances so far this season.
Nico Schlotterbeck’s Playing Style
Nico Schlotterbeck
Amid United’s reported interest in Schlotterbeck, praised as 'one of the best centre-backs in the world', we asked ChatGPT to break down the Germany international’s style of play:
Ball-playing centre-back – Schlotterbeck is comfortable carrying the ball out from defence, breaking lines with passes, and starting attacks.
Physical and defensively strong – Tall, robust, and dominant in duels and aerial battles, offering reliability at the back.
Tactically intelligent and versatile – Can play in a back four or three, reads the game well, and positions himself to intercept or cover teammates effectively.
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