Andoni Iraola handed major Liverpool blow as unexpected star 'wants to play for Real Madrid'

Liverpool's hopes of signing one of their top transfer targets have taken a major hit as he reportedly is looking to join Real Madrid instead.

It's been an eventful 48 hours for Liverpool fans given the recent movement in the transfer window.

Late on Wednesday night it was revealed that the Reds had secured their first signing under new manager Andoni Iraola after securing a deal for Osasuna forward Víctor Muñoz.

The winger had held advanced talks with Newcastle United but ultimately decided to join Liverpool, who paid €40m (£34.5m) to trigger the 22-year-old's release clause.

Less than 24 hours later, it was confirmed that former Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate, who will leave the club following the expiration of his contract this month, had agreed a deal to join European rivals Real Madrid ahead of next season.

The Frenchman had been in talks to renew his Liverpool deal throughout the 2025/26 season but ultimately has decided to follow in Trent Alexander-Arnold's footsteps and leave to join the Spanish giants, signing a four-year deal.

And now it appears that Liverpool could be dealt another defensive blow by Real Madrid as top transfer target Nico Schlotterbeck also reportedly has his sights set on a move to the Bernabéu.

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Schlotterbeck has long been linked as a possible replacement for either Konate or Virgil van Dijk, with the Borussia Dortmund defender widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in Europe.

The 26-year-old penned a new deal with Borussia Dortmund in April, but reportedly has a special clause in his contract that would allow certain clubs to trigger a release clause worth between €50m-€60m this summer.

According to Sky Sports Germany, Liverpool and Real Madrid are among the clubs who are able to trigger the release clause, which is believed to be valid until the World Cup final on July 19.

But, a further report from Spanish outlet El Debate has claimed that Schlotterbeck's preference would be to join Madrid in the summer transfer window, rather than Liverpool.

The report claims that the Dortmund star ‘wants to play for Real Madrid’ and hopes to be reunited with his Germany team-mate Antonio Rudiger at the Bernabeu.

And it adds that, despite securing the signing of Konate, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is eager to bring another top centre-back to the club this summer.

If he were to sign for Real Madrid, Schlotterbeck's would join Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, and Marc Cucurella as Real Madrid's new signings in recent weeks.

Real Madrid star offers opinion on Nico Schlotterbeck ahead of proposed move

Amid the rumours linking Schlotterbeck with a move to Real Madrid, Germany teammate Rudiger was asked for his opinion on the defender during the World Cup.

Regarding Schlotterbeck, Rudiger Sky Sports Germany: “Nico has always been a threat, especially from set pieces.

“He’s aggressive, he’s always there in duels and his build-up play is outstanding. His left foot is gold.”

Another player linked with a move to the Bernabéu is Schlotterbeck's Dortmund and Germany teammate Felix Nmecha, and Rudiger is also a fan of the possibility of the midfielder joining him at Real Madrid.

“Good players are always welcome. But I don’t want to say much more about it. I’d be happy," Rudiger added.