Newcastle want Freiburg centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck

Newcastle United are interested in signing Nico Schlotterbeck from Freiburg in the January transfer window, according to 90min. It has been reported that Newcastle have made an approach for the 22-year-old central defender and are willing to pay as much as £40 million.

However, Schlotterbeck himself is not keen on a move to Newcastle, who are in the Premier League bottom three at the moment and could end up getting relegated to the Championship at the end of the season. Freiburg are wiling to sell the youngster, who is wanted by Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund as well.

Schlotterbeck has made 17 appearances in the Bundesliga for Freiburg so far this season, scoring two goals in the process. The 22-year-old central defender made 15 starts and one substitute appearance in the league last season, scoring one goal in the process.