by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Borussia Dortmund is intensifying efforts to extend the contract of defender Nico Schlotterbeck ahead of its UEFA Champions League match in Copenhagen on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old German international is on the radar of several top European clubs, including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said the 2024 Champions League finalist is "pulling out all stops" to keep its key defensive figure.
The 66-year-old recently appealed to Schlotterbeck's ambitions, outlining a future role for him as an "international star."
"I told him how it is to be a world star in our shirt, one like Mats Hummels was," Watzke said about their meeting during the recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Schlotterbeck also enjoys a central role with the German national team. Coach Julian Nagelsmann recently highlighted the player as irreplaceable, noting that "a left foot's game-opening contribution is overwhelmingly helpful."
While emphasizing he feels comfortable in Dortmund, Schlotterbeck is treating the decision carefully.
"I still have a contract for the next 18 months," he said, calling it an important decision.
The situation could intensify if Bayern Munich's negotiations with defender Dayot Upamecano stall. The French international's contract expires in summer 2026, and he is demanding a significant raise and signing fee.
Schlotterbeck showcased his value in last Saturday's match, earning top marks for 20 passes into the final third and making a crucial tackle against Michael Olise in the box.
Bayern Munich fans recently voted the Dortmund defender as their club's top transfer target, with coach Vincent Kompany praising his distribution and calling him a "top defender."
Dortmund's recent improvement under coach Niko Kovac has sparked hopes of securing his signature. The club has gained ground in the Bundesliga and sits on four points after two Champions League matches ahead of its trip to Copenhagen.
Schlotterbeck said the focus is on getting three points in the Danish capital, after which he will begin talks with sporting director Sebastian Kehl. "And then we see where this is taking us," he added.
Coach Kovac said "Schlotti" is entirely focused on the team and "is enjoying every minute on the pitch." ■
