Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a move to sign Nico Schlotterbeck in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Defence building

With the news that a deal has now been agreed between the St. James' Park faithful and Atletico Madrid to sign Kieran Trippier, the defensive rebuild in the North East is well and truly underway.

A new central defender is likely to be next, with the likes of James Tarkowski and Abdou Diallo recently being linked with moves to Tyneside, while Sven Botman is a link that just will not go away.

Nonetheless, it is clear that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are not waiting around when it comes to trying to bring players to the football club, and it is now set to be a busy yet exciting next few weeks for the Toon Army.

The Latest: Schlotterbeck eyed

Speaking on the Sky Sports Transfer Show (via HITC), journalist Dharmesh Sheth has revealed that Schlotterbeck is now on the radar of the Magpies, as their pursuit of Botman is becoming more difficult.

Lille apparently want £60m to let go of their centre-back, which is a price that the new owners are not willing to meet at the moment, causing their attention to shift towards alternatives.

The Verdict: Sign

Given that Eddie Howe's team have conceded 42 goals in the Premier League so far this season, the joint-worst in the division with bottom-placed Norwich City, it is clear that they need a commanding centre-half in order to get them more organised and ultimately help concede fewer goals.

Having silenced none other than Erling Haaland earlier on this term, Schlotterbeck is capable of doing just that, and his six-foot-three frame makes him a threat in both boxes, with no fewer than 3.1 aerial duels won per game in the Bundesliga.

The Freiburg ace is also very versatile and so can play in a number of different positions according to Germany manager Hanzi Flick, who also cited his 'footballing quality' upon calling him up to the senior squad.

Nonetheless, at just 22 years of age, he has so much potential, and so now presents the perfect time for NUFC to swoop in on his signature.

In other news, find out which ex-Magpie Luke Edwards says could now be a target here!