Liverpool have until the end of the World Cup to trigger the release clause in the contract of Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.
The journalist claims the Reds and Real Madrid are among a select few clubs who can sign the German international for between €50m (£43.5m) and €60m (£52m) this summer.
However, the clause is expected to expire around the time of the World Cup final, July 19th, so the Merseyside club have the best part of 3 months to decide whether they want to pay that much for Schlotterbeck.
Most Read on Walk On
The 26-year-old signed a new contract with Dortmund just 5 days ago, keeping him at Signal Iduna Park until the summer of 2031, but the existence of this clause is a significant development.
Would Liverpool be tempted to pay the fee?
Many see Schlotterbeck as the ideal successor for captain Virgil van Dijk. He is left-footed, so he could directly replace the Reds captain in the left-sided centre-back role.
Furthermore, the German is able to play out from the back, while he is comfortable playing as an auxiliary left-back when required.
The club’s transfer priorities may lie elsewhere
Despite the Reds needing a succession plan for van Dijk, the fact that the Dutchman is contracted for another season means a replacement won’t be top of the club’s agenda this summer.
Head coach Arne Slot has already mentioned that the club are run on a sell-to-buy model, so splashing out on new signings left, right and centre is not a realistic option.
Finding replacements for both Mo Salah and Andy Robertson is expected to take precedence, considering that both players will be leaving Anfield on free transfer over the next few months.
Want more news on Liverpool? Add Walk On as a preferred source on Google