There has been a lot of buzz around Nico Schlotterbeck's future. The defender has been a key figure in the squad under Niko Kovac this season but will be entering the final year of his contract next season.
Talks of securing his future have been ongoing for sometime now with the German international refusing to commit as Schlotterbeck wants Dortmund to compete for top honors.
Der BVB are currently six points behind leaders and defending champions Bayern Munich with only 13 games left in the top-flight season. They have already been knocked out of the DFB-Pokal cup while having to face Atalanta in the knockout playoffs of the Champions League before reaching the round of 16.
According to German news outlet Bild, the 26-year-old could make a decision on his future at the Signal Iduna Park stadium by mid-March. He has two choices, to stay on at the club or move to Real Madrid, the only side which has expressed genuine interest in him.
Los Blancos could see Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba leave this summer, while Eder Militao has been too injury-prone. The side is looking to beef up their backline for next season and have identified Schlotterbeck as among their top targets.
A centre-back by trade, Schlotterbeck possesses exemplary game-reading ability while never shying away from a challenge. He also has the propensity to foray into the opposition box and make a few attempts at goal - the defender has contributed five in the league so far this season (3 goals, 2 assists).
Schlotterbeck, whose contract with Dortmund runs until June 2027, has a release clause of €60 million, but it could drop to €50 million if Black and Yellow fail to qualify for the Champions League, which doesn't appear likely at this point.
Dortmund have won their last five consecutive league clashes and remain unbeaten in their last 14, having lost just once all season: a 2-1 defeat to Bayern on matchday seven. Their strong run has seen them open up the title race in recent weeks and will be aiming to push the Bavarians all the way.
Bayern also considered a move for Schlotterbeck previously with the uncertainty around Dayot Upamecano's future at the club, but with that now settling, the German champions are unlikely to pursue him, paving the way for Real Madrid as frontrunners.
However, the Spanish giants will reportedly decide on their transfers once a head coach for next season is confirmed.