An update has emerged on Newcastle United's interest in Freiburg centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck...

What's the talk?

According to reporter Dharmesh Sheth on Sky Sports' transfer show, via Bavarian Football Works, the Magpies are looking at the defender as a possible alternative to Lille's Sven Botman as the Ligue 1 side are demanding £60m for the Dutchman this month.

The report claims that German giants Bayern Munich also have Schlotterbeck on their radar and could compete with the Toon for his signature.

Treat

Eddie Howe could seal an "absolute treat" for Newcastle by bringing Schlotterbeck to the club this month as he could be an excellent signing for the club.

The 22-year-old German has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.31 in the Bundesliga this season, showing that he is capable of delivering consistently high-quality performances on the pitch. This could make him a dream signing for the Magpies as they have conceded the most goals (42) in the Premier League this term and are in need of defensive improvements.

Writer Jacque Talbot has commented on the defender's statistics this season, comparing him to a German legend in the process. He Tweeted: "The absolute state of Nico Schlotterbeck. Some Franz Beckenbauer level attacking percentiles. Newcastle would be in for an absolute treat if they can persuade Freiburg to let him go."

Talbot accompanied his Tweet with a screenshot of the Freiburg man's percentile ranks in a number of statistical categories across Europe's top five leagues, per FB REF. He is in the 92nd percentile or higher in dribbles completed, progressive passes and touches for centre-backs, whilst he is in the 91st and 92nd percentile for tackles and interceptions respectively.

He is also naturally left-footed. This means that he can add balance to Newcastle's possession game by being able to comfortably play on the left side, opening up more options on the ball instead of needing to shift it to his right foot before playing out from the back.

Therefore, the monster could be a sublime addition to Howe's team as he has the quality in defending to improve the team whilst his capabilities on the ball could help the side to play more expansive football to entertain the fans.

The ex-Bournemouth boss must now ensure that he can get a deal over the line for Schlotterbeck before Bayern are able to make their move, if they are to make one at all.

AND in other news, Howe can brutally axe £40k-p/w NUFC dud by signing "deceptive" gem who's a "nightmare"...