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Liverpool target Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck as Virgil van Dijk replacement - Paper Round
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Published 11/03/2025 at 22:03 GMT
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Liverpool could replace Virgil van Dijk with Borussia Dortmund central defender Nico Schlotterbeck, while there are five names that Arne Slot could send packing from Anfield this summer in order to raise funds for deals. Elsewhere, Marseille are among several clubs linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, and Kalvin Phillips could rejoin Leeds United if they are promoted.
Slot: Liverpool and PSG 'both good enough' to reach Champions League final
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Liverpool keen on Schlotterbeck
Reports in Germany suggest that Liverpool have identified Borussia Dortmund central defender Nico Schlotterbeck as a replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
Bild suggests the German international might be on the move in the summer and is valued at £42 million.
The Daily Mail gives more detail, explaining: "Liverpool are reportedly 'very interested' in signing Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck as a potential successor to Virgil van Dijk.
"The German international could be set to leave Dortmund in the summer alongside a raft of team-mates if they miss out on European football.
"It has been a disaster season for last season's Champions League finalists, who sit 10th in the Bundesliga, but Schlotterbeck has been praised as a leadership figure.
"Liverpool are willing to pay around £42 million for the 25-year-old, according to Bild's report, and his contract expires in 2027."
Liverpool consider clearout
The Daily Express relays more news concerning Liverpool from Germany, with five players potentially on their way out of Anfield.
Caoimhin Kelleher, Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota could all be sold.
The paper reports: "Liverpool could part with five first-team players this summer as Arne Slot prepares for his first major reshuffle. The Reds are powering towards the Premier League title and they could cement their status as England's top dog with a successful transfer window at the end of the season.
"Anfield bosses tasked Slot with extracting more out of the players he inherited from Jurgen Klopp instead of spending big on new recruits last summer. That proved to be a masterstroke, with the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah finding red-hot form while Liverpool have saved their cash for future endeavours.
"And it could pay off this summer, with Liverpool expected to splash out after learning that Slot is the right man to take them forward. The club's transfer kitty would be in an even healthier position if those deemed surplus to requirements are moved on.
"Sky Germany has cited five players as 'potential departures' this summer with Caoimhin Kelleher, Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota all believed to be on the chopping block."
Pogba has few options for return
Saudi Pro League and MLS sides seem the likeliest destination for Paul Pogba, according to The Athletic.
The midfielder is also linked to Marseille ahead of his comeback from a doping ban.
The website writes: "Paul Pogba is set to become one of the most intriguing free agents on the market at the age of 31.
"Despite saying he wants to return to Juventus, sources - who like everyone spoken to for this article, spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships - on both sides of the table have told The Athletic that talks are ongoing over how to terminate his contract rather than how he can be reintegrated into Thiago Motta’s team.
"Paris Saint-Germain were reported as one of the teams trying to sign him in 2022, when he returned to Juventus, while Marseille have been linked with a move in recent weeks.
"Sources in sporting operations at multiple MLS clubs, speaking anonymously to protect their own employers’ plans, said they had no doubt teams in the North American competition have put in what the league calls 'discovery claims' on Pogba, which would give them priority to negotiate with the player.
"One of the final remaining options is a move to the Saudi Pro League (SPL)."
Phillips linked with Leeds return
Kalvin Phillips may be on his way back to Leeds United at the end of the season.
He has struggled to break into Manchester City’s line-up and is instead on loan at Ipswich Town, but Leeds could be back in the top flight next year.
The Sun states: "Kalvin Phillips could be set for a fairytale return to Leeds as the club plan for life in the Premier League.
"Daniel Farke’s side are clear favourites to win the Championship and secure a return to the top-flight.
"And the Elland Road side are already looking to build a squad that can survive.
"Leeds scouts have been tracking the progress of Phillips, who has spent this season on loan at Ipswich from Manchester City."
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