Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund are exploring defensive options in case star defender Nico Schlotterbeck leaves the club for Bayern Munich next summer. They have identified one strong candidate in the form of Chelsea defender Axel Disasi and a past connection with Dortmund coach Niko Kovac might help them in securing his services.

Borussia Dortmund are set to offer Nico Schlotterbeck a huge new contract that could triple his wages as they look to secure his long-term future amid renewed Bayern Munich interest. The German defender, seen as a future captain and leader of the club, remains calm about his decision despite Dortmund’s push to extend his deal until 2030.

Borussia Dortmund are keen to ensure that Nico Schlotterbeck signs a new long-term deal with them as they see the centre-back as their "future captain". However, Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has urged his former club and Dortmund's rivals Bayern Munich to make a move for the German international, stating that he will form a great centre-back partnership with Jonathan Tah.

Nico Schlotterbeck has been hailed as Borussia Dortmund's version of Thomas Muller, with Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus tipping the German centre-back for a talismanic role in their bid to challenge for the Bundesliga title. Schlotterbeck’s return from injury has already stabilised the defence, and Dortmund’s bright start to the season suggests they are building a strong platform around their emerging leader.

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck praised manager Niko Kovac’s decision switch to a back three, calling it a key factor behind the team’s recent good run of results. Making his return from injury, the German defender said he feels something positive is building and suggested Dortmund can mount a serious title challenge against Bayern Munich.