Manchester United look to have a busy couple of months ahead as they look to solve their current midfield crisis, but could also bolster their backline dependent on conditions

Christopher Vivell could be the key to Manchester United signing Nico Schlotterbeck this summer, as the club look to strengthen across the board. The Borussia Dortmund centre-half has emerged as a potential candidate to arrive at Old Trafford in the coming months, with a new revelation giving the Reds a major boost in their pursuit.

Florian Plettenberg claims that the 26-year-old could be available for as little as £26million when the window reopens, in the event that Dortmund are unable to tie him down with a new contract. The German’s current deal at Signal Iduna Park expires next summer, and BVB could be forced into selling him early if his heart is elsewhere to avoid losing him on a free at the end of 2026/27.

It comes as a wealth of clubs, from Liverpool and Chelsea to Real Madrid and Barcelona have been linked with Schlotterbeck as a result. However, United may have a major advantage in securing his services thanks to Vivell.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

The director of recruitment at Old Trafford has close ties to the Bundesliga, as evidenced by his part in snapping up Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a £73.7m move ahead of the current season.

All things considered, he could in-turn also play a major role in talks with Dortmund as well as the player, in the event that Untied see the green light to pursuit Schlotterbeck.

It comes as Schlotterbeck dismissed reports of an imminent contract extension following Germany’s friendly with Ghana on Monday. Speaking about his situation, the defender explained: “Unfortunately, we’re not that far along. I negotiated at length with Sebastian [Kehl] who is no longer there.”

However, it is suggested that there is not tension between the player and his current club, with Niko Kovac standing by Schlotterbeck at a press conference on Thursday. He said: “I don’t believe Schlotti caused the headlines, but rather those who published the stories and put something out there that wasn’t entirely accurate.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

“The club knows that, Schlotti knows that, and he has every right to set the record straight.”

The head coach also remained confident that Schlotterbeck will accept an offer of an early contract extension, adding: “I’m very positive myself and will remain so.

“He’s a really good player. A player we need and whom we all love. We’ll do everything we can to ensure he stays with us.”

With an injury-laden Matthijs De Ligt’s reliability in doubt and Harry Maguire not getting any younger, it’s clear that United would be wise to strengthen the heart of their defence should they hope to challenge domestically and in Europe next season.

However, the club also has a midfield crisis to address this summer as a major priority. Casemiro will leave the club this summer when his contract expires, while Manuel Ugarte looks surplus to requirements at present.

While Kobbie Mainoo has thrived under Michael Carrick since his arrival in January, the Reds would be wise to bring in a more-experienced defensive-midfielder to carry the brunt of responsibility in the centre of the park.

Elliot Anderson, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Eduardo Camavinga have all been named as suitable candidates, although their arrival in Greater Manchester is nothing short of speculative at best at present.