Key BVB defender monitored by European giants

Borussia Dortmund's willingness to hold on to Nico Schlotterbeck could be tested once again in the near future. The defender was linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer, but an ACL injury at the World Cup dissuaded suitors from pursuing him and the German international ended up remaining at the club.

Schlotterbeck had signed a contract extension with Dortmund in April this year that's set to keep him at the club until June 2031. But fans were unhappy to see it has a release clause in it that made it possible for him to leave if a suitable offer arrived.

In mid-July, while he was still injured, the clause expired, but the clubs for which it was exclusively restricted to, such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Liverpool, could soon come knocking on his door again.

Liverpool, Madrid, Barca monitoring Schlotterbeck

We're barely a few weeks into the new season, where Schlotterbeck has played only twice with the BVB before joining up Germany for the Nations League, and reports of him being on transfer radar have already started coming in.

According to global transfer news expert Ekrem Konur, the 26-year-old is currently monitored by Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona as a potential defensive recruit as the European giants view the player as a long-term option.

He's among the names on their list of considerations for the future, with Barcelona manager Hansi Flick also reportedly tracking his situation at Dortmund.

Schlotterbeck is currently valued at €55 million, according to Transfermarkt. But the bigger question is, would Dortmund allow him to leave?

BVB might consider 'extraordinary' offers

As Nils-Ole Book said earlier this year, Dortmund might only accept extraordinary offers for Schlotterbeck, which means the club would be demanding a hefty price for him, considering his current contract with them and his talents.

It's also worth noting that Schlotterbeck is among BVB's highest earners right now, taking home a base salary of €10 million per year excluding performance-related bonuses. So signing the player will not only incure a considerable transfer fee, but also come with a fat pay cheque.

But above all, he's a cornerstone in Niko Kovac's swashbuckling squad that's aiming for trophies this season. Schlotterbeck's aggressive style of defending and elite ball-playing range have been valuable traits for their defense, while also chipping in with goals in set-piece situations.

Finding a replacement of his ilk would be no mean feat.