Report: Newcastle back in talks with £40m-rated 22-year-old

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Newcastle United have made fresh contact with the representatives of Nico Schlotterbeck as they continue their push to sign a new centre-back, according to a report from the Daily Mail.

The Magpies are still yet to strengthen their options at the heart of the defence. They have reportedly made bids for players such as Gleison Bremer and shown interest in others like Nikola Milenković.

Schlotterbeck has been on the Newcastle radar for a little while. In fact, 90min reported that he had rejected a move to St James’ Park earlier in the month. The Magpies were apparently willing to pay more than £40 million.

Interestingly, Newcastle are not prepared to admit defeat in their pursuit. The Daily Mail reports that they have made fresh contact with his representatives.

Intriguingly, they also note that he is back at the negotiating table. So perhaps there is an opportunity for Newcastle to get the 22-year-old at the second time of asking.

Signing Nico Schlotterbeck could be a huge coup for Newcastle

It remains to be seen if Newcastle can agree a deal for Schlotterbeck. And clearly, some will have their concerns given that he would potentially cost a club-record fee.

But Schlotterbeck looks to have an incredibly high ceiling. He has been outstanding with Freiburg this season.

He has played most of his football on the left of a back three. And he seems to tick a lot of different boxes.

According to FB Ref, he is eighth in the Bundesliga for both tackles won and clearances. But he is also incredibly confident on the ball.

He is just inside the top 20 for progressive distance covered when it comes to running with the ball. That sort of composure would suggest that he would have little fear if he ended up on Tyneside.

And interestingly, it would appear that a move is no longer out of the question.