Liverpool put on red alert as ‘serious’ Nico Schlotterbeck threat could derail dream summer transfer | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s interest in Nico Schlotterbeck is reportedly ‘serious’ but the player continues to attract interest from Liverpool also.

Christian Falk reports that Premier League clubs like Arne Slot’s Reds are keeping an eye on the situation.

In fact, it remains unclear whether Los Blancos have even begun any formal negotiations with player and club, amid ongoing contract talks between the centre half and BVB.

Liverpool & Real Madrid have Nico Schlotterbeck in their sights

(Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)

The interested parties can’t assume they hold a duopoly over this transfer affair, as Manchester City were also known admirers.

“I talked with my colleagues at BILD, who are reporting on Dortmund, and they think that Real Madrid’s interest in the 26-year-old is serious,” the head of sport at BILD exclusively informed CF Bayern Insider.

“I’m not sure if negotiations have begun with BVB, but they are keeping an eye on him, as are Premier League clubs like Liverpool.

That said, the Sky Blues have already recruited well in the position, securing the more than notable experience of former Crystal Palace veteran Marc Guehi in January.

Liverpool and Real Madrid’s needs, by comparison, are considerably greater.

The La Liga giants, for instance, appear settled with an early decision to allow both David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger’s contracts to run down to expiry this summer.

Meanwhile, Arne Slot’s men still have no idea whether or not Ibrahima Konate will sign a new contract. And then there’s the lurking question of who will be Virgil van Dijk’s (34) long-term successor.

Otherwise, the reigning Premier League champions have a mostly young set of profiles at centre-back.

* Jeremy Jacquet is an incoming summer signing for Liverpool (playing out the remainder of campaign with Stade Rennais)

Real Madrid u-turn on Dortmund hero

(Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)

Recent reports coming out of Spain suggested that Real Madrid had accepted defeat in the race for Nico Schlotterbeck.

But perhaps the pressing nature of the Spaniards’ needs at centre-back – and perhaps Liverpool’s focus on Konate’s contract – has prompted a rethink.

It’s speculation, but ultimately, the numbers can’t be avoided for Alvaro Arbeloa’s men. They have an ageing defence that is in desperate need of a trim without sacrificing senior experience.

At 26 years of age, and with over 200 senior appearances in the Bundesliga and Champions League combined, Schlotterbeck would be a welcome injection of quality and seniority.

* Nico Schlotterbeck’s senior appearances at Bundesliga clubs(Transfermarkt)

Either Liverpool or the Spanish giants would be well-advised to consider the option, particularly given that the Germany international’s own ambition is likely to steer him away from Dortmund.