Liverpool and Manchester United interested in Real Madrid defensive target | OneFootball

The future of Borussia Dortmund central defender Nico Schlotterbeck remains a domino piece that several European clubs are keeping a close eye on. The Germany international is out of contract next summer, and with Schlotterbeck confirming that he is not close to renewing his deal with Dortmund any time soon, the logical conclusion is that they could decide to cash in on him before it’s too late.

Schlotterbeck, 26, is one of few top-level central defenders set to be available this summer if indeed BVB do sanction a sale. The word is that they will continue to pursue a renewal for the time being. He has been most heavily linked with Real Madrid in recent months, after Dayot Upamecano signed a contract renewal with Bayern Munich, with Los Blancos looking to bring in a central defender this summer.

Manchester United and Liverpool interested in Schlotterbeck

Part of his contract talks stalling could be down to Premier League interest though. Christian Falk has explained to Caught Offside that Schlotterbeck was close to finalising a deal with Dortmund, but that the club believe fresh interest from Manchester United and Liverpool is the motive behind his thinking.

Schlotterbeck future may be impacted by Ibrahima Konate

Perhaps the other big name that Europe’s elite are looking at, including Real Madrid, is Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate. The France international is out of contract this summer, and yet to show signs of renewing his deal. The Reds may be looking at Schlotterbeck as Konate’s replacement if he does end up leaving the club.

Equally, if Real Madrid do pursue Konate, it could end their interest in Schlotterbeck. The price tag previously quoted for Schlotterbeck was €50-60m, a fee that Real Madrid tend not to spend on players in their mid-20s. Konate on the other hand fits in well with their recent transfer policy, being available on a free.