Real Madrid are reportedly keen on Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck. According to German news media BILD, Los Blancos have identified the 26-year-old as a possible replacement for Antonio Rudiger should he depart this summer.
Schlotterbeck's contract with Der BVB is up in 2027, and there are concerns at the Signal Iduna Park that they could lose him on a free transfer next year, though contract talks are still underway.
Dortmund's arch-rivals Bayern Munich were also among his potential suitors but now with Dayot Upamecano close to renewing his contract with the Bundesliga giants, the prospect of them roping in another centre-back isn't likely.
Borussia Dortmund's non-sellable star is wanted by Real Madrid
That leaves Real Madrid as frontrunners for Schlotterbeck's signatures, although Dortmund aren't going to let him go easily. The club values him for no less than €50 million while the player is also said to be introspecting his future.
There have reportedly been talks with the club in recent times, but Schlotterbeck is biding his time and refusing to commit to a new contract right now.
Die Schwarzgelben consider him instrumental to their ongoing project under Niko Kovac as Schlotterbeck has made that centre-back position his own with a series of eye-catching displays this season.
He has also donned the captain's armband multiple times in the absence of Emre Can and led his side with aplomb as Dortmund have lost just once in six Bundesliga games where Schlotterbeck was the skipper.
Positionally aware, strong in the air and adept at perfectly-timed tackles, the German international has cemented his place among the most astute defenders in Europe this season, and it's easy to see why Real Madrid is eager to bring him to Santiago Bernabeu.
Additionally, the Spanish giants could see David Alaba leave this summer with the Austrian unable to hit his best due to a raft of injuries. His contract at the club ends this summer and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that there are no talks of a contract renewal right now. Antonio Rudiger could follow suit too.
In order to beef up their backline for next season, Xabi Alonso's side are considering their replacements, and Schlotterbeck is among their top targets now, especially with the club looking increasingly likely to miss out on Upamecano.
However, there are also rumors that Madrid's arch-rivals Barcelona are keeping close tabs on the player too and it will be interesting to see how this saga tuns out should the LaLiga champions pursue Schlotterbeck seriously in the coming days.