Liverpool are seriously considering a summer bid for Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, according to reports in the German media.
The Reds are believed to be eyeing the 25-year-old as a potential long-term replacement for captain Virgil van Dijk.
Even if the Dutchman signs a contract extension – keeping him at the club beyond the summer – he will turn 34 in July, so Schlotterbeck is seen as his successor.
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Tabloid Bild claim that the Reds are “prepared to pay well over” €50m (£42m) to secure the centre-back’s signature.
What do Liverpool fans need to know about the player?
Schlotterbeck has been capped 18 times by Germany. He is 6ft 3 and left-footed, making him the right type of profile to replace van Dijk.
The centre-back has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past. He was identified as a target by Arsenal during the 2022 January transfer window when he was still at Freiburg.
However, Dortmund ultimately won the race for Schlotterbeck and he has been a regular starter for the Bundesliga side over the last 3 seasons.
Will Dortmund consider selling Schlotterbeck?
It is believed that the German club will be forced into making tough decisions on player sales if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Dortmund are currently sitting 10th in the table, seven points adrift of the top 4 with nine games remaining this campaign.
It means there is a good chance that they will have to consider offers for their best players in order to balance the books. As a consequence, if Liverpool do make a bid in excess of €50m, it may be too good for Dortmund to turn down. It is definitely a transfer story to keep an eye on over the coming weeks and months.
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