Liverpool have been given the green light to complete a deal to sign a top defensive target this summer, after details of his release clause emerged.
The Reds are keen to bring in defensive reinforcements during the upcoming transfer window, with Jeremy Jacquet already confirmed to join, while Ibrahima Konate is now closing in on a new contract at Anfield after months of discussions.
But with Virgil Van Dijk turning 35 before the new season starts, and question marks over the future of Joe Gomez, the club are still looking for more, and it has now been revealed that they could have a clear path to complete a deal for one of Europe's most wanted central defenders.
Liverpool Get Schlotterbeck Green Light
Nico Schlotterbeck
According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are among the clubs who are able to trigger the release clause of Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck.
The 'elite' defender signed a new contract with the Bundesliga side last week to commit his long-term future to the club, amid months of speculation linking him with a move to several top European clubs. However, it has now emerged that the new deal is not the end of the speculation.
According to Plettenberg, Schlotterbeck has a release clause worth between €50-60m (£43-52m) that can only be activated by certain clubs, and one of those is Liverpool.
Real Madrid are also able to trigger the clause, but it is only valid up until the middle of July, with the final of the World Cup on July 19th given as an estimated time frame.
Summer of Change at Anfield
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring their second goal with Virgil van Dijk
It's likely to be a big summer of change on Merseyside this summer, with Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson already confirmed to be departing, while Van Dijk is ageing, and there is a potential for a new manager to come in too.
While there are some elite young talents at the club, bringing in someone with top-level experience who can make an immediate impact would be shrewd, and would undoubtedly lift the team.
Any business is likely to have to wait until the team have confirmed their place in the Champions League, though, but they have a clear path to get a deal done if they want to.
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