Bayern Munich rule out Nico Schlotterbeck move as Borussia Dortmund defender ponders contract extension

Bayern Munich are no longer considering a move for Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck, according to reports in Germany.

The 26-year-old Germany international, who has less than 18 months remaining on his contract, last month sparked speculation that he could be laying the groundwork for a move to Bavaria by remarking that his ambition was to win a title on home soil.

With Dortmund trailing Bayern by eight points at the top of the Bundesliga, out of the German cup and slipping to 10th in the Champions League standings following last month’s draw with Norwegian minnows Bodo Glimt, Schlotterbeck’s prospects of winning silverware this season appear limited.

But if the centre-back harbours hopes of capitalising on uncertainty surrounding the future of Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano to emulate the likes of Mario Götze, Robert Lewandowski and Mats Hummels, all former Dortmund players who made the switch to the Allianz Arena, he could be set for disappointment.

Nico Schlotterbeck: Bayern Munich interest cools

According to Bild, Bayern have their sights trained on coveted Feyenoord teenager Givairo Read, whose signing would allow current right-back Josip Stanišić to move into central defence. The dynamic 19-year-old, whose contract at De Kuip runs until the summer of 2029, is seen as an attractive long-term option by Bayern, who are reportedly close to securing a long-awaited agreement to retain Upamecano and can also call on Jonathan Tah, Kim Min-jae and Hiroki Ito at centre-back. 

The picture could change should Kim move on in the summer – the South Korea international has emphatically denied reports that he could leave this month in search of more playing time – but Marc Guéhi is also known to be on Bayern’s radar, with the Crystal Palace defender potentially available for free in six months’ time. 

With Bayern seemingly well-stocked defensively, it seems likely that Schlotterbeck will either have to shelve his domestic dreams until next season or consider a move abroad. Liverpool have been credited with interest in Schlotterbeck, as have Real Madrid and Barcelona.

 

Schlotterbeck says Dortmund are ‘on the right track’

However, while Schlotterbeck has cut a restive figure at Dortmund in recent weeks, voicing dissatisfaction with performances against Bodo Glimt and Freiburg last month and reportedly clashing with team-mate Serhou Guirassy, there is cause for optimism.

After scoring the opener in Tuesday night’s 3-0 league win over Bremen, which brought up a club record sixth clean sheet from eight home games, Schlotterbeck offered an upbeat if guarded appraisal of Dortmund’s progress.

“We’re on the right track, but not on a perfect one,” said the Dortmund vice-captain. “We still have a few steps to take, but I think we’ll manage that in the coming weeks. And then, at some point, the crucial games will come, as we head towards March and April. 

“Then you have to be ready: in the league, in the Champions League. We had a difficult season last year, and the year before that too. Now we’re in a pretty good position. If we continue to win games, things are looking pretty good.”

Dortmund hopeful as Schlotterbeck contract talks remain ongoing

Meanwhile, talks over a fresh contract remain ongoing.

“We’re trying to convince him with the power this club has, with the appreciation that he feels, and with what we want to achieve together,” said Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl. 

“We also want to give him a perspective that makes sense for him. But we’re not sitting down every day. Things like this need time. He’s used the winter break to think things over, but there’s no new development yet.”