Liverpool Battle For Nico Schlotterbeck Transfer Heats Up

Liverpool are facing a battle to land one of their key transfer targets this summer, as Mundo Deportivo reports that Real Madrid are growing in confidence in their hopes of signing the defender instead.

It comes as the Reds continue to be linked with centre-back options in the transfer market, as the club hope to future proof the position in the coming weeks.

Ibrahima Konate's exit as a free agent has thrown out a potential issue in the backline, with the 27-year-old failing to agree a deal and making the move to Real Madrid instead.

The arrival of Jeremy Jacquet, boosted by the return of Giovanni Leoni from injury, means that there are options to pair with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez in the backline.

However, as the latter pair only have one year remaining on their contracts, there may be concerns for next year and beyond, as links continue for another centre-back to join the club this summer.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Nico Schlotterbeck this summer, as the defender could be on the move in the transfer market.

It's not the first time the Reds have shown interest in the Germany international, who could be available for roughly £50 million due to a release clause in his contract.

The deal signed at Borussia Dortmund includes the clause, but it can only be triggered by certain clubs, and it's unclear whether Liverpool are one of those included.

One team who are certainly included are Real Madrid, as they have appeared as an option for the 26-year-old, who has been described as "elite" through his performances.

And even though Los Blancos are set to confirm Konate as a signing, the old foe are set to impact Liverpool further as the report from Mundo Deportivo claims that Schlotterbeck is a "strong contender" to be the club's next signing.

Jose Mourinho, who also had his fair share of scrapes with Liverpool, is claimed to be keen on the centre-back and could deal a blow to the Reds in the process.

It remains to be seen whether the battle will heat up with concrete offers in the coming weeks, but Iraola's side may need to start positioning themselves for a move to get a deal done quickly.

Liverpool have a balancing act that comes with their business in the summer transfer window, as they must weigh up the need to improve the squad for this coming season, as well as looking beyond the campaign to the future.

As it stands, the need for a defender is further down in the pecking order, with sufficient depth within the team for at least next season.

The forward ranks remain the most pressing concern, as talks continue to sign Yan Diomande for the right wing, while interest persists over other options up front.

Then attention could switch to the midfield, with interest in Alex Scott among other players such as Adam Wharton for the centre of the pitch.

Liverpool appear to be closing in on a surprise transfer this summer to bolster Andoni Iraola's forward options.

Only once those areas are sorted should Liverpool look to fix the centre-back position, adding a long-term option to replace Van Dijk at the end of his deal, with the quality to do so almost immediately.

It remains to be seen whether that possibility will come about, given the funds required for stars such as Schlotterbeck, on top of the other signings.