Borussia Dortmund confirms Nico Schlotterbeck talks amid Liverpool interest
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Liverpool IconLiverpool FC NewsTransfer NewsTransfersBorussia Dortmund CEO Lars Ricken has offered an update on the German club's contract talks with defender Nico Schlotterbeck, despite attracting interest from LiverpoolNico Schlotterbeck has been linked with both Liverpool and Real Madrid(Image: Boris Streubel/Getty Images)Borussia Dortmund CEO Lars Ricken says the club is still holding talks with Nico Schlotterbeck in a bid to secure his future.The 26-year-old center-back has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s top defenders, drawing interest from clubs such as Liverpool and Real Madrid. As the Black and Yellows aim to strengthen their squad for the coming years, pressure is mounting to finalize a deal with their defensive lynchpin, even as Schlotterbeck considers his options for the next stage of his career.Dortmund has already acted to secure other key pieces of its squad, recently confirming a long-term contract extension for German midfielder Felix Nmecha until 2030.READ MORE: 'I wouldn't bet against Mohamed Salah - and there's 3 things that will decide Arne Slot's future'READ MORE: Xabi Alonso already made Liverpool feelings clear as agent responds to Arne Slot 'agreement'Meanwhile, Milo Kerkez makes a brutally honest admission over his first-season struggles at Liverpool.Dortmund hopes Nmecha’s commitment will act as a signal to Schlotterbeck and other potential signings that the Westfalenstadion is a place where top players can achieve their ambitions.Speaking to Ruhr Nachrichten, Ricken stressed that the relationship between Borussia Dortmund and Schlotterbeck remains strong, even though a new contract has yet to be signed.
He has confirmed that he will announce his decision before the end of the season.Schlotterbeck told Sky Sports Germany in January: "I've set a personal deadline for myself. I won't say when it is.
It won't be an easy decision."I'm a gut-feeling kind of guy. I don't quite know right now how it'll turn out."Manager Niko Kovac has stressed the defender’s importance to his tactical plans but has been careful not to overstep in the ongoing negotiations.