Liverpool have their eyes set on Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck for the summer window, according to Bild.
The centre-back has been a key figure in his side’s defence and made 34 appearances this season.
His performances have seen him attract interest from Liverpool while BVB want to offer an extension.
Schlotterbeck’s contract lasts until 2027, and the report states it includes a salary of €5m per year. This puts him in the middle of the rankings amongst the top earners at the club.
Dortmund aim to make the 25-year-old one of their highest paid players in the future and he could soon take over the captaincy from Emre Can. Their efforts could be ruined by the Reds, who are ‘very interested’ in the Germany international.
It’s claimed Liverpool are ‘likely prepared to pay’ over €50m for the defender in the next window.
The Bundesliga club could not only find it difficult to renew Schlotterbeck’s contract but also risk losing him after this season without European football.
Dortmund must overcome Lille to stay alive in this season’s Champions League tomorrow. They are 10th in the league table and are seven points behind fourth placed Eintracht Frankfurt.
Bild indicate Schlotterbeck could replace Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool. The 33-year-old’s contract expires in June and it’s unclear whether he’ll sign an extension at Anfield.