Real Madrid would look to reinforce their squad during the summer transfer window after a pretty inconsistent campaign this time around, as they had to relieve Xabi Alonso of his duties mid-way through the season following a series of poor results.

Defense is an area where Los Blancos are likely to undergo a major revamp, as players like Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy could be on their way out of the club after the current season.

As a result, Madrid is already looking at options despite the transfer window still far away and the World Cup yet to be played during the summer.

Los Merengues signed a couple of highly rated prospects before the start of the ongoing season, bringing in Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras from Bournemouth and Benfica, respectively, and evidently, both newcomers have impressed the Bernabeu faithful so far.

The Whites are looking to emulate their achievements of the past summer as they set their sights on defenders like Marc Guehi and Ibrahim Konate as the likely replacements for the departing players.

Although another highly rated center-back, Nico Schlotterbeck, is also rumored to be closely monitored by Los Blancos, recent reports of a probable contract extension at his current club, Borussia Dortmund, over the past week seemingly marred Madrid's hopes of signing the German during the upcoming summer.

Now Schlotterbeck's recent comments look to have completely changed the scenario for both BVB and Real Madrid as the 26-year-old categorically denied the contract extension reports, saying (h/t Get Football News), "I must categorically deny that; unfortunately, we’re not there yet. I negotiated with Sebastian for a long time, but he’s no longer with us.

"What has been reported is unfortunately not true. I would probably have made a decision in the coming weeks. The situation has changed a bit. I’ll be holding talks with Ole, and we’re not at the stage where we’re on the verge of a deal. It’s a shame for BVB fans right now, but it’s not an easy situation for me either."

The German international has been pivotal for Dortmund since coming in during the summer of 2022 and is considered a defender with all the tools: aerial ability, strong tackling, anticipation, and ball-playing skills, which haven't gone unnoticed by the big European clubs, as Liverpool is also reportedly interested in signing Schlotterbeck during the summer.

The player's comments look like a probable hint for Los Blancos and others, as his current contract is set to expire in 2027, and if Dortmund are unable to agree on a contract extension with him before the transfer window opens, the Spanish giants would surely have the upper hand when the negotiations begin.

Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!