Nico Schlotterback has been linked with many top teams, including Manchester United, but signing the German has just been made harder for his suitors
Nico Schlotterbeck
Nico Schlotterbeck has been linked with Manchester United(Image: 2026 Ralf Ibing - firo sportphoto)
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Manchester United will need to stump up between £43.6million and £52.3m if they wish to secure Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund, according to reports. The versatile defender has previously been touted for a switch to Old Trafford.
The Germany international looked set to be a budget-friendly option for the summer, as he would have entered the final year of his contract. However, the situation has now shifted as he has committed his future to the Signal Iduna Park with a brand new deal.
He had been in discussions with club officials for months before eventually agreeing to fresh terms. One thing which may be exploited by buyers is the inclusion of a release clause in his deal.
According to German outlet Kicker, a fee between €50m and €60m, which equates to between £43.6m and £52.3m, may be enough to sign him. The left-footed defender is among the most adaptable defenders in Europe who is also renowned for his composure in possession.
United's current left-footed centre-back options are Lisandro Martinez and occasionally Luke Shaw, but both players have suffered repeated injury problems over the past two seasons. Schlotterbeck would offer cover for both centre-half and at left-back, should he make the move to Old Trafford.
Last week, reports emerging from Germany suggested Schlotterbeck could be available for as little as £26m, but this new contract has almost certainly put paid to that prospect. Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been linked with a potential move for the defender.
United director of recruitment Christoph Vivell, drawing on his extensive knowledge of the Bundesliga, may still harbour an interest in securing the 26-year-old's signature. However, any transfer activity is unlikely to materialise until United confirm who will be at the helm next season.
Nico Schlotterbeck gestures
Nico Schlotterbeck has had many clubs be linked with him(Image: Getty)
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That said, there have been some notable developments behind the scenes at Old Trafford. Harry Maguire recently put pen to paper on a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2027.
This means United will head into next season with Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven as their central defensive options. It is understood Maguire accepted a reduction in wages in order to stay at Old Trafford.
Upon signing the deal, he said: "Representing Manchester United is the ultimate honour. It is a responsibility that makes myself and my family proud every single day.
"I am delighted to extend my journey at this incredible club to at least eight seasons and continue to play in front of our special supporters to create more amazing moments together.
"You can feel the ambition and potential of this exciting squad. The determination throughout the whole club to fight for major trophies is clear for everyone to see and I am confident that our best moments together remain ahead of us."
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