Liverpool now planning move for 30-cap star, Klopp’s a big fan

Liverpool have identified a “sensational” star as one of their top transfer targets, and former manager Jurgen Klopp has given them his seal of approval.

Although the 3-0 home defeat against Manchester City earlier this month was far from ideal, the Reds have responded in the best possible fashion, winning their last four matches across all competitions.

During that time, Andoni Iraola’s side haven’t always looked completely solid from a defensive point of view, conceding three goals against both LASK Linz and Villarreal, but they did a good job to shut out Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on Sunday.

Indeed, Iraola led his side to a 2-0 victory against the Seagulls, who had won their previous four Premier League matches without conceding a goal, and the result sees the six-time Champions League winners move up to fourth in the table.

Ronald Araujo has subsequently earned rave reviews for his performance, with the defender winning all five of the duels he contested, while also completing three tackles and registering one shot on target.

Should Araujo sustain his current performance levels, the Reds will surely take up the opportunity to sign him from FC Barcelona on a permanent basis in the summer.

However, with Virgil van Dijk’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, it may be important to bring in another centre-back, and a Bundesliga star has now emerged as one of the key targets.

Liverpool identify Nico Schlotterbeck as top target

According to a report from Football Insider, Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck is a top target for Liverpool, who remain keen on strengthening their defence, with Joe Gomez’s current deal also set to come to an end in the summer.

Schlotterbeck recently penned a new contract, which extends his stay with Dortmund until 2031, but the Reds are still looking to take him to Anfield, after exploring a move during the summer transfer window.

However, the 30-cap Germany international is far from the only option on the shortlist, with a number of other experienced options also under consideration.

The 26-year-old has been a key player for Dortmund over the past five seasons, and he displayed his attacking qualities by chipping in with five goals and two assists in 28 Bundesliga appearances last term.

This season, Schlotterbeck, who has been described as “sensational” by analyst Matt Smith, is averaging 3.3 tackles per 90 in the Bundesliga, the highest number in the Dortmund squad, and Germany manager Klopp is a big fan.

Speaking about his compatriot and Germany centre-back partner Jonathan Tah, the ex-Liverpool boss said: “Physically, they both harmonize superbly. Their playing styles also harmonize very, very well. Schlotterbeck is strongly involved in the build-up play; overall, it’s a very good package in the center of defence.”