Liverpool are unlikely to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck when the January transfer window opens, despite the German’s expiring contract.
Liverpool have scrapped plans to target Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who could have been a target in January.
The German is thought to be on the club’s list of players to watch, but the Reds have no intention of making a move for him so far. Schlotterbeck’s contract expires next season, so there have been hints that he could be moved, and the Bundesliga side may want to recoup his fee in some way.
Bild reports that Schlotterbeck is currently “not a top priority” as Liverpool refrain from making any approach. The Reds have been linked with several defensive targets due to their own struggles and failure to sign a defender in the summer despite their best efforts.
Jarrell Quansah has been allowed to move to Bayer Leverkusen, while Ibrahima Konate’s contract expires in the summer. According to reports, Real Madrid are not considering a move and one potential transfer target has been ruled out, but it seems unlikely that he will sign a contract extension amid talk of a move.
The Reds worked hard to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, whose contract expires at the end of this season. The Eagles withdrew from any move on deadline day, leaving Liverpool somewhat light in that department.
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They could end up bringing back Giovanni Leoni, who was out of contract in the summer with a serious anterior cruciate ligament. Despite being available, Schlotterbeck does not appear to be a good fit for Liverpool at the moment, with Bayern Munich also being linked with the deal.
The 25-year-old was reportedly reluctant to sign a new contract with Dortmund despite a pay rise and inheriting the captain’s armband, but manager Niko Kovac remains hopeful the centre-back will choose to extend his stay with the club.
“I don’t know how much of an impact I can have there, other than to show him my gratitude. I show him that every day. He knows what we have in him, but he also knows what he has in the club. I’m optimistic, but only time will tell. I’m not a fortune teller. We’ll see.”
Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl added: “We are trying to provide Schlotti with conditions that will give him an attractive environment. Ultimately, a decision will have to be made.”
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