Liverpool receive January transfer boost as Marc Guehi alternative opens door to move

Liverpool are planning to sign a centre-back after failing to land Marc Guehi in the summer transfer window - and the Crystal Palace star isn't their only target

Liverpool are on red alert after it emerged that Nico Schlotterbeck is refusing to sign a new contract with Borussia Dortmund. The Premier League champions want to sign a centre-back in 2026, with Ibrahima Konate's deal set to expire at the end of this season.

Marc Guehi was their top target in the summer transfer window but the move collapsed on deadline day. Liverpool had their bid of £35million accepted before Crystal Palace suddenly decided not to sell at the eleventh hour.

With his own contract expiring next summer, Guehi will be free to sign a pre-contract with a foreign club when the January transfer window opens. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have all been linked, presenting Liverpool with hot competition.

Schlotterbeck, 25, is an alternative option for the Reds after three and a half impressive seasons in Dortmund. Liverpool's chances have now received a boost, as the Germany international is reportedly refusing to extend his contract which expires in 2027.

The reason, according to Bild, is tension with Dortmund manager Niko Kovac. Schlotterbeck is said to be unhappy with Kovac's pragmatic style of play.

The Bundesliga giants started the season unbeaten before a 2-1 loss against Bayern last month. They're yet to win in November after a 4-1 defeat away to Manchester City in the Champions League and Saturday's frustrating 1-1 draw with newly-promoted Hamburg, in which Schlotterbeck scored.

Dortmund want to keep him and would be willing to hand him a new deal until 2030. The ex-Freiburg prospect would receive a significant €2.5m (£2.2m) pay rise, taking his earnings to €8m (£7m) per year.

Bayern are also interested and Dortmund are no strangers to being stripped of their assets by the German champions. Dortmund CEO Lars Ricken recently said when asked about Schlotterbeck: "We will not rush into anything. But of course, we don't want to drag it out indefinitely, everyone is aware of that."

Should Liverpool sign Nico Schlotterbeck instead of Marc Guehi? Let us know your pick in the comments section.

As for Schlotterbeck, he commented after losing to Bayern: "I still have over a year and a half left on my contract. I'll sit down with Sebastian (Kehl, sporting director), work out a plan, and see where it leads. I feel very comfortable in Dortmund and have no problem continuing on this path. But it's obviously an important decision for my career."

Liverpool did sign a centre-back in the summer, Giovanni Leoni, paying Parma £26m for the 18-year-old. Unfortunately for both Leoni and Liverpool, the Italian is set to be ruled out for a year after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament on his Reds debut.