Liverpool news: Reds eyeing move for Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck as long-term Virgil van Dijk replacement
Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night after Ousmane Dembélé’s first-half strike took the round of 16 tie to a penalty shootout.
The French side converted all four of their spot kicks, with Italian shot-stopper Gianluigi Donarruma saving penalties from Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones.
Arne Slot’s men still have a League Cup final to look forward to on Sunday and already have one hand on the Premier League title.
However, contract talks with Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk have stolen the headlines.
With the trio’s future up in the air, Liverpool are beginning to plan for life without three of their star players.
Liverpool keen on Nico Schlotterbeck
According to German outlet Blid, the Merseysiders are interested in Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck.
The Reds reportedly see the defender as a long-term replacement for club captain van Dijk.
Speaking after Liverpool’s loss to PSG, the Dutchman suggested he has “no idea at the moment” in regards to whether he will be at the club next season.
Could Nico Schlotterbeck stay at Borussia Dortmund?
The Bundesliga side are hoping to extend Schlotterbeck’s contract immediately, however, could struggle if they miss out on European football next season.
Borussia Dortmund currently sit 10th in the German top-flight and have been in awful form compared to their usual standards.
The German international, who has made 34 appearances in all competitions for Dortmund this campaign, would reportedly cost around £50million.
At just 25 years of age, Schlotterbeck could be the perfect successor to van Dijk’s throne at Anfield for many years to come.
Liverpool have also been linked with a move for AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen.
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