Liverpool gets Nico Schlotterbeck boost as Borussia Dortmund finds replacement

Liverpool has been linked with Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck for some time, and the Reds have now been handed a boost as Dortmund scout Marco Senesi as a potential replacement

Liverpool have been handed a boost in a potential transfer for Nico Schlotterbeck(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has received an encouraging boost in its pursuit of Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck ahead of the summer transfer window.

While the January window has only just shut, preparations for potential summer deals at Liverpool will continue to take place behind closed doors. The Reds have been consistently linked with a move for Schlotterbeck, who will enter the final 12 months of his Dortmund contract when the window reopens.

His contractual circumstances and doubts surrounding his future suggest Dortmund could be more willing to entertain offers. Liverpool has now received further encouragement, with Bild reporting that Dortmund is already scouting potential successors.

The German publication claims that Dortmund has earmarked Bournemouth's Marco Senesi as a target.

The Argentine's deal at the Vitality Stadium expires at the end of this season, making him available as a free agent. His contractual status also permits him to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club ahead of the summer.

Dortmund has reportedly pinpointed Senesi as a perfect replacement should Schlotterbeck depart. The fact that Dortmund is exploring alternatives effectively gives Liverpool the go-ahead to table an offer.

Schlotterbeck could be on the move this summer(Image: Getty Images)

Arne Slot and his colleagues at Anfield are expected to seek additional defensive reinforcements during the summer, having missed out on securing Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi.

The England international was on the brink of a move to Anfield last summer, but the deal collapsed at the last minute.

Despite being linked with Liverpool once again, the January transfer window saw him make a switch to Manchester City.

As such, the Reds will need to shift their focus to other potential targets.

Dortmund is eager for Schlotterbeck to extend his contract with the club, but he has yet to make a commitment and disclosed last month that he will reach a decision before the summer.

In an interview with Sky Sports Germany, he stated: "I've set a personal deadline for myself. I won't say when it is. Definitely before the summer, though.

"I feel comfortable here. It won't be an easy decision.

"I'm a gut-feeling kind of guy. I'll sit down with Dad and (brother) Keven, and then I'll make a decision. I don't quite know right now how it'll turn out."