Reports from Germany: Real Madrid in pole position for Nico Schlotterbeck signature

Real Madrid have been earmarked as the leader in the clubhouse for the signature of Borussia Dortmund central defender Nico Schlotterbeck. The Germany international seems to be closing in on an exit at Dortmund.

Schlotterbeck is under contract until 2027, but BILD say after several rounds of negotiations that he has no plans to renew his deal. As such, Dortmund will look for a sale in the summer to avoid losing him for free. That said, they will not consider offers under €50m for their star defender.

Bayern Munich move off the cards currently

His preference in the summer would be a move to Bayern Munich, but the Bavarian giants are closing in on a bumper new contract for Dayot Upamecano, which would make a move for Schlotterbeck unlikely. Should they secure some lucrative sales of their own, that could open the door to a move, or they would be interested if Schlotterbeck was to run down his deal and join on a free in 2027. As things stand though, a move is not in their plans.

Real Madrid have free run at Schlotterbeck

Originally, Barcelona were the side most strongly linked with Schlotterbeck in Spain, and he has an advocate in former national team manager Hansi Flick. Yet his price tag could well scare the Catalan side off. Real Madrid have also been credited with interest, and they are on the hunt for a central defender in the summer.

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Links between Schlotterbeck and Real Madrid have been less strong, but the Germany international would be delighted to move to Los Blancos in the summer. Should they make a move for Schlotterbeck, then they will become instant favourites for his signature. They are also looking at bringing back Jacobo Ramon from Como, and at 26, Schlotterbeck is not generally a player Real Madrid would spend big on.

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