Renato Veiga and Victor Lindelof on Borussia Dortmund's list of targets as Niko Kovac looks to solve defensive issue

Dortmund are exploring the transfer market for defensive reinforcements, with Veiga and Lindelof, available on a free transfer, on their list of targets as manager Kovac contends with a major injury crisis, according to a report from Sky. The urgency has increased following a torn calf muscle for Niklas Sule, which will sideline the German international for approximately two months.

The injury to Sule has compounded BVB's defensive problems, with Nico Schlotterbeck not expected to return from a meniscus tear until late September and Emre Can also unavailable. The situation leaves Waldemar Anton as the only fully fit senior centre-back at Kovac's disposal. The shortage forced full-back Julian Ryerson to play centrally in the recent friendly against Juventus and saw 20-year-old Filippo Mane promoted from the reserves.

While Kovac has praised youth defender Mane, the manager is known for preferring experienced players rather than developing young talent. According to Sky, this tendency is a key factor behind Dortmund's decision to pursue an established defender in the transfer market rather than relying solely on the 20-year-old.

Dortmund are expected to accelerate their transfer plans to sign a new defender before the window closes. The club's hierarchy reportedly sees an opportunity to make a "smart move" by signing a player who can provide immediate cover and become a long-term option, especially with the contracts of both Sule and Can expiring next summer. In the short term, Kovac faces a selection puzzle for the start of the Bundesliga season.