Nico Schlotterbeck continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool despite talk he’s ready to agree new terms with Borussia Dortmund.
Fabrizio Romano claimed earlier this week that Schlotterbeck was closing in on a new contract with the German outfit. However, the player himself came out to deny a deal with Dortmund was close.
At the time, he said: “I probably would have made a decision in the next few weeks [but] I negotiated with Sebastian for a long time and he’s no longer there [at Dortmund]”. Something Christian Falk has now suggested is not the reason for the delay, with Liverpool’s interest instead playing a part.
You can only pick ONE player for Liverpool to sign this summer, who is it?
Who should Richard Hughes be targeting above all…
Liverpool and Manchester United’s interest is delaying Nico Schlotterbeck’s contract decision
Speaking to CaughtOffside, Falk said: “Nico Schlotterbeck said that he must think again about the nearly finalised negotiations about a new contract at Borussia Dortmund.
“He said the reason for this is that the Club have fired the Sporting Director Sebastian Kehl [who was at the negotiation table].
“But the Club think that this is just a Pretext. The real reason could be a new interest in Schlotterbeck of Liverpool and Manchester United.”
That could be great news for Liverpool, who seem to be in the market for a new central defender but are not linked with many quality options.
Nico Schlotterbeck’s goals don’t involve Premier League transfer
Alessandro Bastoni has been slammed in the Italian media this week after he was sent off in a World Cup play-off final on Tuesday evening.
Outside of the Inter Milan stopper and Schlotterbeck, Liverpool are not thought to have an interest in too many names.
Julian Nagelsmann has called the German defender ‘outstanding‘ previously, and he could be a great addition to Slot’s backline.
However, Schlotterbeck’s comments on his goals at the very end of last year suggest a move to England may not have been high on his priority list.
Speaking in late December, he claimed he wanted to win a championship in Germany.
He said: “I have the goal of winning a championship in Germany.
“We have been close. The Champions League is very difficult to win – we were close there too. In the DFB-Pokal, I was close as well. As a professional footballer, I’ve only won the U21 European Championship. Now I want to actually hold something in my hands.”
Dortmund are nine points behind Bayern Munich right now, so it probably won’t happen this season. Does that mean the Liverpool target will stick around for another season? It remains to be seen.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
