Renato Veiga and Victor Lindelof on Borussia Dortmund's list of targets as Niko Kovac looks to solve defensive issue

Borussia Dortmund see Chelsea defender Renato Veiga and ex-Manchester United player Victor Lindelof as potential solutions to their defensive crisis.

• Dortmund targeting new defender amid injury issues
• Sule, Schlotterbeck, and Can all sidelined
• Kovac wants experienced signing to strengthen his team

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Dortmund are exploring the transfer market for defensive reinforcements, with Veiga and Lindelof, available on a free transfer, on their list of targets as manager Kovac contends with a major injury crisis, according to a report from . The urgency has increased following a torn calf muscle for Niklas Sule, which will sideline the German international for approximately two months.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The injury to Sule has compounded BVB's defensive problems, with Nico Schlotterbeck not expected to return from a meniscus tear until late September and Emre Can also unavailable. The situation leaves Waldemar Anton as the only fully fit senior centre-back at Kovac's disposal. The shortage forced full-back Julian Ryerson to play centrally in the recent friendly against Juventus and saw 20-year-old Filippo Mane promoted from the reserves.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  While Kovac has praised youth defender Mane, the manager is known for preferring experienced players rather than developing young talent. According to , this tendency is a key factor behind Dortmund's decision to pursue an established defender in the transfer market rather than relying solely on the 20-year-old.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR DORTMUND?

  Dortmund are expected to accelerate their transfer plans to sign a new defender before the window closes. The club's hierarchy reportedly sees an opportunity to make a "smart move" by signing a player who can provide immediate cover and become a long-term option, especially with the contracts of both Sule and Can expiring next summer. In the short term, Kovac faces a selection puzzle for the start of the Bundesliga season.