‘They are confident’ – Expected winner named in Liverpool and Bayern race to sign ‘one of best in the world’
Liverpool could be beaten by Bayern Munich to the signing of exciting young centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck.
Following a defensively poor start to the season, Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider that Liverpool will prioritise the signing of Schlotterbeck to fix their troubles at the back.
It is not the first time the defender has received Premier League attention, with former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown exclusively telling Football Insider back in October that Chelsea are also working on a deal to sign Schlotterbeck.
Defensive reinforcements are clearly needed not just in the Premier League’s elite, but also in Europe with Bayern Munich monitoring the German’s situation at Borussia Dortmund.
Nico Schlotterbeck ‘unhappy’ at Borussia Dortmund as Bayern Munich and Liverpool race to deal
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Bavarian giants are set to challenge the Reds for the 25-year-old.
Vincent Kompany’s side have issues at the back to resolve as well with Dayot Upamecano set to leave next summer as a free agent.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast over the two front runners for the number four’s signature, I explained: “I think it’s a developing story.
“I think obviously he’s got a contract until 2027 with Dortmund, so it’s not like he could be lured away on a pre-contract this January. His future is very much up in the air at Dortmund.
“He’s turned down an improved contract offer to extend his stay beyond 2027 and, by all accounts, reports in Germany suggest he is unhappy with the current situation at the club with regard to the style of play under Nico Kovac as well.
“So when you get all that going, you will have lots of rumours of a possible move away for the German international.
“He’s developed into one of the best young centre backs in the world during his time at Dortmund and for Germany as well. So look, Dortmund are worried by the interest in him.
“Bayern Munich are keeping very close tabs on the situation due to their ongoing scenario regarding their own centre back options with Dayot Upamecano potentially leaving on a free transfer in the summer.
“They see Schlotterbeck as being an ideal replacement for him if the Frenchman was to leave Bavaria this summer.
“But while Liverpool are openly looking for centre-back reinforcements, [there are] ongoing doubts about Ibrahima Konate and his long-term future.
“Virgil van Dijk is not getting any younger as well. So look, I think he’s [Schlotterbeck] going to have plenty of options, no doubts about that.
“Bayern Munich will be confident that they can maybe keep him in Germany if he decides to leave Borussia Dortmund.”
Arne Slot to ramp up pursuit of Marc Guehi in January in case Schlotterbeck deal collapses
Given Bayern Munich’s track record for snapping up their league rivals’ best players, the Reds may feel a deal for Schlotterbeck is improbable.
Instead, sources told Football Insider that Liverpool will make another push to sign Marc Guehi in January as they look to other centre-back targets.
Arne Slot came very close to securing the Englishman on transfer deadline day last summer, until Crystal Palace ultimately pulled the plug on the deal.
Considering the depth of their attack, a defensive addition is imperative this January to ensure they can better defend their Premier League title.