Liverpool is being linked with a former Manchester City talent who has developed into one of the better central midfielders in European soccer at Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund has no interest in allowing Felix Nmecha to join Liverpool ahead of a potential exit from the club.

Nmecha is seen as one of the best central midfielders in the world, having taken huge strides since leaving Manchester City five years ago, when he never made a Premier League appearance. The German midfielder reportedly has a $90 million release clause next summer, with Liverpool among many teams interested in a January move, as Julian Ward looks to bring players in next year.

Liverpool's rival, Manchester United, is another team said to be interested in Nmecha, along with Chelsea and Newcastle. Reports earlier this week suggested Liverpool had made contact for a move for Nmecha, but it appears this will not be in January.

A report from TeamTalk has stated the German team will not listen to any bids in January, with a rumored release clause not yet confirmed — despite indications that one will become available in July 2027.

Nmecha will turn 27 next year, perhaps a little old for a player that Liverpool would look to spend this kind of money on.

Liverpool may be looking for another central midfielder next summer, with Alexis Mac Allister's contract set to expire as the Argentine hopes to be given a new deal.

Mac Allister struggled last season, but has largely improved through the first two months of this year's campaign. However, talks on a potential new deal have not yet begun.

The Reds also let Curtis Jones leave this past summer, and Wataru Endo is sure to leave, having played a limited role so far this year.

Nmecha's elder brother, Lukas, is in the Premier League with Leeds.

Liverpool.com says: This one feels like an incredibly unlikely move for Liverpool to explore. Nmecha will be 27 years old next year, a lofty price tag to pay despite his obvious athletic and powerful capabilities.

While Nmecha would bring elite ball-carrying ability to Liverpool's midfield, he's not the defensive player that the club appears to be looking for — meaning he'd likely be playing in the same role as Dominik Szoboszlai, Trey Nyoni, and Alexis Mac Allister.

If the Reds were going to spend around $100m on a central midfielder, the likes of Adam Wharton or Alex Scott appear more likely at this point, being years younger, proven in the Premier League, and homegrown players — an area which the Reds need to address next summer.

The emergence of Trey Nyoni will be huge in Liverpool's plans for a central midfielder. If he emerges, he could be a first-team regular and save the club millions while still having plenty of other areas of need to address as they rebuild under Andoni Iraola and Julian Ward.