Liverpool transfer news with Schlotterbeck agreement and Barcelona stance on Kounde sale
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Liverpool continue to monitor defensive targets with Barcelona's Jules Kounde and Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck both linked. The primary objective remains securing their place at Europe's top table once again next season, though there remains considerable work to be done on that front.Missing out on a Champions League berth could have a significant impact on what is shaping up to be another major summer, particularly following Mohamed Salah's announcement of his forthcoming departure.
Express Sport rounds up the latest updates on Liverpool's transfer plans...Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund) An agreement has been reached on a new contract for Nico Schlotterbeck at Borussia Dortmund, according to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg, despite the defender dismissing claims this week that he is close to putting pen to paper on a new deal.Responding to rumours that he was closing in on a contract extension to keep him at Dortmund until 2031, Schlotterbeck said: "I must clearly deny that. A change in the club's sporting director appears to have delayed the process, with Nils-Ole Book having replaced Sebastian Kehl last week.Express Sport says: Even though Schlotterbeck has denied it this week, it does seem as though he's closer to extending his stay at Dortmund than leaving in the summer.
Should Liverpool harbour any ambition to sign him, it may need to move swiftly, though that could hinge on Ibrahima Konate's intentions. If the Frenchman is similarly set to put pen to paper on a new contract, that would lessen the urgency for a new centre-back.Jules Kounde has been touted as a potential target (Image: Getty Images)Liverpool could encounter competition for Jules Kounde's signature, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that the Reds are just one of three Premier League clubs monitoring him closely.It is understood that Liverpool is seeking to bolster their defensive options at full-back, having brought in attacking player Jeremie Frimpong last summer, with Kounde under close observation.