Exclusive: Bournemouth Eye Germany International Nico Schlotterbeck in January Bid

Bournemouth want to sign Borussia Dortmund and Germany international defender Nico Schlotterbeck, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

But our sources have learnt German giants Dortmund are lining up a new contract off for the sought-after centre-back.

The Cherries had the heart of their defence ripped out in the summer following the loss of top performers Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Ilya Zabarnyi.

But after a bright start to the season the Cherries’ defence has been called in to question, especially after a run of six games without a win in the Premier League.

Four of those fixtures have been defeats, with a worrying 13 goals conceded in all six matches.

That leaves the Cherries, who previously lost one of their previous nine league games, hovering precariously in 13th position in the standings.

Defensive cover is key for frustrated boss Andoni Iraola, who we understand has now identified Schlotterbeck as one of his key targets when the January transfer window opens.

Liverpool were previously linked with Schlotterbeck, but those rumours have since quietened as the club appears to have shifted their focus to Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

DEFENSIVE CONCERN

The Cherries are also weighing up moves for further defensive targets, with the left-back particularly a concern following the departure of Kerkez to Premier League champions Liverpool.

Iraola’s side have leaked 24 goals in 15 Premier League games so far this season and Spanish boss Iraola is understandably keen to tighten up at the back or risk potentially getting dragged into a relegation scrap.

A 4-0 hammering at the hands of Aston Villa last month was the worst defeat the club have suffered for some time, with defeats to Manchester City, Everton and Premier League newcomers Sunderland also contributing to a renewed effort expected next month to find reinforcements.

Schlotterbeck, 26, joined Dortmund in a £22million deal in May 2022 and has two years left to run on his contract, but the Cherries hopes they can entice him to play in the Premier League.

The defender has been linked with a move to Dortmund’s German rivals Bayern Munich, and he has also been tipped to be a future captain of the national team.

He has played 137 games for Dortmund, 92 of them in the Bundesliga top-flight, as well having been capped 23 times by Germany.