EXCLUSIVE: The lowdown on Nico Schlotterbeck as Liverpool eye Dortmund star

Liverpool have been tipped to move for a new centre-back in the upcoming summer transfer window. There are considerable question marks around the futures of both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

Van Dijk 33, is out of contract at the end of the season. Although a new deal looked a formality as recently as November, it now appears the Reds could lose their captain.

READ MORE: Liverpool Transfer News: Alvarez one step CLOSER as star's head is turned

Anfield Watch has revealed details of Paris Saint-Germain's efforts to lure the Dutchman to the French capital with a mammoth €100 million offer while Al Hilal haven't gone away either.

EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea's INSANE offer beats Liverpool to €22m transfer

Konate is out of contract in summer 2026 and there has yet to be a breakthrough in negotiations over a new deal. PSG - again - and Real Madrid are circling with the France international offering no guarantees about continuing at Anfield long term.

Joe Gomez, meanwhile, remains on the injury list and the Reds were willing to let him go last summer. That means there is likely to be space for at least one defender in the upcoming transfer window.

Among the candidates linked in recent weeks is Germany international Nico Schlotterbeck. The Borussia Dortmund stopper, 25, has emerged as a viable option although his club don't seem altogether too willing to let him go.

But just how likely is it that Schlotterbeck comes to Anfield in the off-season? And what kind of player would Arne Slot be getting?

We spoke to Ronan Murphy, the Bundesliga expert from Football Transfers, for the lowdown on Nico Schlotterbeck and Liverpool's chances of signing him.

How would you describe his playing style?

Schlotterbeck is a ball-playing defender who likes to use long-range passing to split defences and spread play out wide. Out of possession, he’s an old-school defender who loves to tackle and once said “making a good tackle is sometimes better than scoring a goal.”

Do you see him as a replacement for Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate?

Given the fact he is left-footed, as well as his on-the-ball ability, he seems more suited to replace Van Dijk in the Liverpool defence than Konate. His leadership traits would also be hugely valuable when taking over from the Dutchman.

What are his primary strengths?

Schlotterbeck’s distribution is obviously key to the way he plays, combined with his ability to make important tackles and a strong aerial presence.

And what about weaknesses?

His belief in his own abilities as well as Borussia Dortmund’s style often means that the defence can be left exposed especially if Schlotterbeck gets caught out of position.

He is still evolving as a defender and his decision-making should improve with experience.

Where does he rank on the list of Bundesliga defenders?

Schlotterbeck is definitely one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga and if he stayed in the league, it probably would not be long before he was considered the best defender in the league.

How much could Liverpool get him for?

Nico Schlotterbeck’s ETV is currently €41.3m, and that seems a realistic asking price for the centre-back. Dortmund have a price they’re willing to accept for every single player, and €45-50m might be how much they would demand for Schlotterbeck.

Is there any question of him leaving Dortmund this summer?

Dortmund have planned to make Schlotterbeck the long-term club captain so will be hopeful that they can keep him away from other clubs.

Is he physically reliable like Van Dijk has been?

Schlotterbeck is generally very fit, and has only missed three games for Borussia Dortmund in the last three seasons through injury or illness.

READ MORE: Liverpool nearing move to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold with Arne Slot favourite

Are there any question marks over his consistency?

At Freiburg, he showed an excellent level of consistency and that is why Dortmund made the move for him.

He has been less consistent at Dortmund, but the team as a whole is generally inconsistent and that has rubbed off on him at times, as nobody is exempt from their up-and-down performances.

Exclusive: PSG make €100million proposal to Virgil Van Dijk