Liverpool have reportedly received a big push to move Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck.
The Reds have been chasing Schlotterbeck for some time now and a recent report from TEAMtalk suggests the German international’s transfer fee could be around £50m.
Christian Falk writes in his latest CF Bayern Insider column that Bayern Munich appear to have cooled their interest in Schlotterbeck.
Falk appears to still be hopeful of a move for the 26-year-old, with the reporter citing the Premier League as another possible destination.
However, that seems unlikely for Bayern at the moment as Schlotterbeck’s transfer fee is said to be too high, but it probably won’t be a problem for Liverpool, who spent a lot of money last summer.
“It’s true: Bayern’s interest in Nico Schlotterbeck has cooled,” Falk wrote. “If Dayot Upamecano were to sign a new contract, it would be too expensive at the moment.
“Schlotterbeck wants this move – there are quite a few Bayern supporters in his family – but no, FC Bayern has no intention of signing him at the moment.
“So we have to look at England and the Premier League and see what the clubs there are planning.
“The German player has said that he wants to win the title and a silver medal, but I don’t think that is possible at Borussia Dortmund at the moment. If he wants to win the title, he will probably have to move! But unfortunately Bayern is not an option at the moment.”
Liverpool need big defensive players like Nico Schlotterbeck
LFC spent a huge amount of money on the likes of Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike last summer, so in theory they should have plenty of attacking strength.
After a disappointing season in which they conceded 28 goals in 21 league games, the focus now is on strengthening their defense. This is twice as much as league leaders Arsenal, and ahead of Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Everton.
It seems clear that a Schlotterbeck-like signing is needed at Anfield if Arne Slott is to become the long-term successor to the aging Virgil van Dijk.
There is also the issue of Ibrahima Konate. He is nearing the end of his contract and could need a replacement if he leaves on a free transfer.
