Nico Schlotterbeck playing the waiting game as Liverpool, Bayern Munich & Real Madrid target considers his options with Borussia Dortmund contract ready to sign

Last week, Sky reported that Borussia Dortmund are eager to tie Schlotterbeck down to a new deal. The German international's contract expires in 2027, but Dortmund – who see the player as a 'future captain' after he has assumed a greater leadership role within the dressing room – want him to stay at the club in the long-term until 2030. In a bid to convince their star defender, additional reports have revealed that the Bundesliga giants are ready to more than triple Schlotterbeck's wages. 

Bayern have been monitoring the 25-year-old centre-back since his Freiburg days, while reports in Spain suggest that Real Madrid are eyeing the player to bolster their defence next summer, when the likes of David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger are expected to depart. 

Meanwhile, Liverpool are planning a January swoop for the defender and have reportedly begun talks with him. After failing to sign Marc Guehi following a deadline day collapse and the anterior cruciate ligament injury to youngster Giovanni Leoni, the Reds want to ensure they head into the second half of the season with adequate depth in defence. 

What's more, there's increasing uncertainty over the future of Ibrahima Konate, who is heavily linked with a free transfer to Madrid next summer. Club captain Virgil van Dijk isn't getting any younger, either, and Schlotterbeck is seen as someone who could potentially lead the Liverpool backline for years to come.

On Tuesday, Skybroke fresh details regarding Schlotterbeck's situation. Per the report, Die Borussen have already presented their offer to their star man. However, Schlotterbeck seems to be in no rush to decide his long-term future just yet, as he wants to weigh his options carefully in accordance to the trajectory of his career. 

He hasn't opened up on his future, opting against disclosing any details just yet. “The appreciation is great on both sides,” he said earlier this month, “but to be honest, I don’t think I’ll extend my contract anytime soon.” 

When questioned about Bayern's interest in him while he was on international duty with Germany last week, Schlotterbeck added: "I can't really say anything about that."

Die Schwarzgelben are aware that trying to convince Schlotterbeck to stay amid interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs could be a losing game. In order to stay ahead of the situation, Dortmund have reportedly started looking for replacements. Axel Disasi, according to recent developments, is being eyed as a potential replacement, should Dortmund be forced to sanction a sale next summer amid fears of losing him for free less than two years from now.