Liverpool “definitely like” Nico Schlotterbeck – as Dortmund admit stalled contract talks – Liverpool FC

A good Merseyside journalist has claimed Liverpool “positively like” Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, and the defender’s sporting director has spoken about their stalled contract talks.

As a result of Giovanni Leoni‘s long-term damage absence, Liverpool’s hyperlinks to centre-backs have ramped up in latest weeks.

Schlotterbeck is probably the most closely rumoured goal in the intervening time, with Merseyside journalist David Lynch now telling Sports activities Mole that “he’s somebody they positively do like and have watched.”

This comes after DaveOCKOP claimed optimistic talks have taken place with the centre-back’s representatives.

Over in Germany, Bild are reporting that Liverpool “primarily see Schlotterbeck as a long-term successor to defensive star Virgil van Dijk.”

The German paper’s journalist, Yannick Huber, added that “it’s changing into more and more tough for Dortmund to maintain him” however a January transfer has been “dominated out.”

Chatting with Bild, Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken stated:

“It’s his absolute proper to plan his future fastidiously.

“We respect that and I consider that wage will not be an important issue, however fairly perspective, belief and conviction.

“We gained’t rush into issues, however after all, we don’t need to drag it out indefinitely. Everyone seems to be conscious of that.”

Schlotterbeck’s contract is at the moment set to run out in 2027 and Dortmund need to lengthen. Nonetheless, the 25-year-old has to date refused to commit his future on the Westfalenstadion.

In the intervening time, he’s valued at £60 million – that’s going off a Sky Sport Switzerland report from the summer time.

Why are Liverpool fascinated with Nico Schlotterbeck?

One of many attributes that has put him above different centre-halves is his means on the ball.

Having additionally performed at left-back and in holding midfield throughout his profession, the Bundesliga man may be very adept at bringing the ball out of defence and taking part in incisive passes.

His 8.21 progressive passes per 90 minutes during the last yr (FBRef) is a determine not even Van Dijk, recognized for his calmness on the ball, can match. In actual fact, it locations him within the high one p.c of comparable top-five league gamers.

This means in possession is one thing for which Arne Slot has publicly praised Van Dijk and is a purpose Ibrahima Konate is probably not deemed a superb long-term match.

Compared to the Frenchman, Schlotterbeck is much better with the ball at his toes.

Within the air, Schlotterbeck is aggressive however not fairly as tall as Konate or Van Dijk, coming in just some centimetres shorter at 6’2″

He’s, nonetheless, taller than Marc Guehi by about 9 centimetres.

Whereas it’s all the time tough to inform how a participant will adapt when transferring to the Premier League, there isn’t any purpose why Schlotterbeck, who has 22 Germany caps, couldn’t be successful for Liverpool.