Real Madrid currently boast the advantage over arch rivals Barcelona in the race for a leading defensive transfer target.
This comes amid confirmation that Borussia Dortmund standout Nico Schlotterbeck is currently giving priority to a move to the former.
Stopper Schlotterbeck is a man in-demand in Spain with a view to next season.
Expected to depart Dortmund for a reduced fee after making the call not to renew his contract ahead of its expiration in the summer of 2027, both Real Madrid and Barcelona have set sights on the 26-year-old.
Schlotterbeck is held in high regard by those behind the scenes in both Madrid and Catalunya, owing to his stellar abilities on and off the ball alike.
The latest word stemming from Germany will therefore no doubt be of interest to La Liga’s two leading clubs.
As per a report from Diario Sport, citing sources in Schlotterbeck’s home country:
‘He has decided to explore Real Madrid’s interest as a first choice, although for now there have only been preliminary contacts.’
Barcelona, in turn, are already eyeing alternative targets, one of which comes in the form of Sporting CP’s Gonçalo Inácio.
Conor Laird – GSFN
