Liverpool’s hopes of signing Nico Schlotterbeck are hanging by a thread as the centre-back prepares to sign a new contract with Borussia Dortmund.
The Reds are running out of time to agree an extension to Ibrahima Konate’s agreement, leaving the door open for a new first-team signing.
With one year remaining on his deal at Dortmund, Schlotterbeck had been put forward as a potential option for Liverpool. However, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg, the 26-year-old is on the verge of signing a contract at the Westfalenstadion.
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Liverpool to miss out on Schlotterbeck
Though the latest indications are that Liverpool remain in talks with Konate over a new contract, time is quickly running out for the Reds in that respect.
Schlotterbeck could have come in as an immediate starting XI option if the Frenchman is to depart, but according to Plettenberg, Liverpool, as well as Real Madrid, are set to miss out.
“Borussia Dortmund have agreed everything with Nico Schlotterbeck’s management: contract until 2031, top earner status, and a release clause from 2027,” says the reporter.
Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after the first goal during the Bundesliga match between Hamburger SV and Borussia Dortmund at Volksparkstadion.
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“All that’s missing now is Schlotterbeck’s final approval. Liverpool and Real Madrid are not in the race.”
As Liverpool await confirmation that one target has escaped them ahead of this summer, they will have to turn their attention to others on the shortlist.
The hope may be that Konate remains to keep his place alongside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence. If he leaves, though, it will not be Schlotterbeck who comes in to replace him.
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