Liverpool transfer news: Fresh twist in race for “outstanding” Barcelona, Bayern Munich-linked defender

Bayern Munich chief govt Jan-Christian Dreesen has hinted that Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund is probably not a goal amid curiosity from Liverpool and Barcelona.

The summer time switch window is ready to be key for the Reds of their quest to battle their method again to the highest of the Premier League.

Some of the essential areas to deal with will undoubtedly be their defence, particularly given centre-back Ibrahima Konate is ready to go away without cost on the finish of the season as issues stand.

The Merseysiders have been linked to Dortmund defender Schlotterbeck, however so have Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

Nonetheless, Bayern chief Dreesen has hinted on the membership being proud of their present centre-back choices, telling reporters: “There is not any doubt that Schlotterbeck is an excellent participant. He is a Borussia Dortmund participant.

“We need not speculate about the place he’ll be taking part in sooner or later and if he’ll prolong his contract or not. We have prolonged Upamecano’s contract. We’re very nicely geared up with three nice centre-backs.”

Schlotterbeck is contracted to Dortmund till the top of 2026-27, so there’s a actual probability that he’ll go away BVB in the summertime.

Can Liverpool beat Barcelona and Bayern Munich to Nico Schlotterbeck?

Ought to Bayern reignite their curiosity in Schlotterbeck, it will likely be tough for Liverpool to persuade the defender to affix, particularly in the event that they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

There may be additionally important uncertainty concerning the way forward for boss Arne Slot, although Hansi Flick has come below stress at Barca.

Liverpool have already agreed to signal Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in the summertime, and whereas one other defender could must be signed if Konate leaves, Schlotterbeck wouldn’t be a assured starter.

Schlotterbeck additionally prefers to play on the left facet of defence, and given Virgil van Dijk is definite to stay within the XI subsequent season, then it’s not clear if the Dortmund star would have a spot within the workforce.

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What else do Liverpool want in defence?

Slot has typically praised Paris Saint-Germain’s use of attacking full-backs, however whereas the Reds tried to copy that dynamic with Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, neither are as sturdy in buildup as Nuno Mendes or Achraf Hakimi.

If Liverpool wish to enhance in defence, signing at the least one full-back able to contributing throughout buildup phases could be smart.

Whereas Schlotterbeck may not go well with Liverpool’s fast wants, the membership may also must plan for a future with out Van Dijk sooner moderately than later, so the membership would profit in the event that they appeared to herald a younger successor.