Reported Liverpool target Nico Schlotterbeck has doubled down on his claims that he is yet to agree anything with Borussia Dortmund over a contract extension.
Strong claims came from Germany last week that Schlotterbeck had agreed a new deal with Dortmund, leaving the Reds and fellow suitors Real Madrid disappointed.
However, the centre-back soon pushed back on those suggestions, and after helping the Black and Yellows beat Stuttgart on Saturday, Schlotterbeck once again confirmed that a final decision on his future is yet to be taken.
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Schlotterbeck denies claims he’s staying at Dortmund
As Liverpool‘s 4-0 defeat against Manchester City on Saturday proved once again, the Reds could really do with some fresh defenders next season.
If Ibrahima Konate does end up departing, there have been reports that Liverpool see Schlotterbeck as an able replacement. With his contract set to end in 2027, he could well be on the market for around £30m this summer.
An extension would clearly put an end to that, but when asked about the negotiations with Dortmund by Sky Germany, the 26-year-old said he wants to be as transparent as possible for the club’s fans.
“I wanted to defend myself. I didn’t want to have a go at the BVB fans,” he said. “I spoke with the club this week. I wanted to hear [Dortmund sporting director] Ole’s point of view and how he approaches things.”
Nico Schlotterbeck pictured during Germany's international friendly match against Switzerland in Basel.
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“I had a good conversation with Lars Ricken and with Ole Book. The talks will continue this week. I think it won’t take much longer before I make a decision. I’ve said it all along: of course I can imagine staying. But all the discussions have to be right. Now we’ll see how things develop.”
Told that his words ‘sound like an extension’, Schlotterbeck was keen to make clear that nothing is agreed just yet.
“That’s what you said…” he replied, leaving the door open to all possibilities.
Although there’s an argument that the Germany international would not be quite so open if he intended to leave, a transfer away clearly remains on the table until anything is signed.
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