Liverpool and Manchester United have rebuilt their offensive departments over the last couple of summer transfer windows and are soon expected to look into revamping their defences with younger and modern-day players.
Ekrem Konur has reported that the Premier League giants could lock horns over a transfer for Borussia Dortmund centre back Nico Schlotterbeck next year, but face competition from Real Madrid and Barcelona as well.
Real Madrid were particularly keen on the German international earlier this year, but he penned a contract extension with Dortmund that has tied him down to the Bundesliga side until 2031, so any interested party will need to pay well to sign him.
According to Konur, the 26-year-old has a release clause worth approximately £51 million that only a few clubs can trigger. While it remains to be seen who those are, all other suitors can secure his services for £59 million.
Liverpool could pip United to Schlotterbeck’s signing
Nico Schlotterbeck has been one of the best central defenders in Europe over the last couple of seasons, so it comes as no surprise that some of the continents biggest sides are keen on his signing in spite of a fairly lofty asking price.
With that said, if the Premier League is his next destination, it is fair to believe Liverpool are better positioned than Manchester United to sign the Borussia Dortmund star, who they might view as a replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
Not only are the Reds in a better position in the Premier League standings as Champions League qualification among other sporting reasons may largely influence the defender’s choice, but they can provide him assurances over a role in their team owing to a lack of defensive depth.
Though United have room for improvement in their backline, the likes of Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt being available means there is already intense competition for game time at Old Trafford.
Schlotterbeck’s exceptional ball-playing abilities, reading of the game to make well-timed tackles and interceptions, and aerial abilities make him a brilliant option for Liverpool, who need to bring in a centre back sooner rather than later.
The Borussia Dortmund defender’s complete profile, coupled with decent experience playing European and domestic matches mean he has all that it takes to be a successful addition in the Premier League, with Liverpool presently the likelier club to sign him than Man United.
