Borussia Dortmund put five recognised stars on their ‘cut list’ of up-for-sale players – including ex-Liverpool man – as pressure ramps up on manager Nuri Sahin

Borussia Dortmund have reportedly put five established stars up for sale following their disappointing start to the season.

Last season’s Champions League finalists sit seventh in the Bundesliga after losing three of their opening eight matches – and they were knocked out of the German Cup by Wolfsburg on Tuesday night.

The pressure is ramping up on new manager Nuri Sahin already after he replaced Edin Terzic in the summer, with Dortmund now set to overhaul their squad.

According to Bild, Dortmund are willing to let Donyell Malen, Emre Can, Julian Brandt, Niklas Sule and Marcel Sabitzer leave the club.

Malen was ready to go at the end of last season, but failed to get a move to a top club. He has since parted ways with the agency group SEG, and looks likely to leave Dortmund in the coming months.

Dortmund have reportedly now placed Emre Can (left) and Julian Brandt (right) up for sale

Donyell Malen is another underperforming star that Dortmund are ready to listen to offers for

Former Liverpool midfielder Can has the captain’s armband at Dortmund, but there are concerns that the 30-year-old is not a true leader in the dressing room, meaning there is uncertainty over his future.

Meanwhile, Brandt is vice-captain, but has struggled for consistency on the pitch and Dortmund are likely to consider selling him at the end of the season if they receive a suitable offer.

Sule is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, but was previously unhappy at not being a guaranteed starter and may look for a fresh start elsewhere, while Sabitzer – who spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan at Manchester United – has been widely criticised for his performances out wide this term.

Significant changes appear to be imminent for Dortmund as they look to rescue their season.

They have taken just one point from four away matches in…