According to a report from TEAMtalk, Newcastle United are keen on reinforcing their backline, and they have their eyes set on Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck. After a long-drawn scouting mission, the Magpies have him as a priority target for the summer.
Schlotterbeck came up the ranks at SC Freiburg and made a name for himself while playing for the Bundesliga club’s first team before securing a move to Dortmund in the summer of 2022. He has gone from strength to strength in the last three years, establishing himself as a key figure in the team.
The 25-year-old centre-back’s consistent performances have put him on the radar of Newcastle United, who seek more quality at the back. Eddie Howe has done wonders at the Tyneside club, but he is on the lookout for more quality as he looks to take the team to the next level.
Reinforcing the backline is one of his priorities, and with more financial freedom this summer after limited funds in recent windows, Newcastle United are well-positioned to make significant moves. Howe’s team have been closely monitoring the German international for over a year, and they are now ready to make a move.
Even though he suffered a meniscus tear in April that has ruled him out for the rest of the season, Newcastle United are still willing to push for his signature. They feel he could be a great acquisition for them as he could help them both in the short as well as the long run.
While Schlotterbeck won’t be back in action until October, the Magpies are still willing to invest in him and wait for his return as they believe he could end up being one of their mainstays in the near future. The Tyneside outfit will carry out a thorough evaluation of the injury and his recovery and if they are confident that he could be back to his best next season, they will go after his signature.
Howe has three quality central defenders in his ranks Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn. But he still wants more competition for the trio and since Schar and Burn are not going to get any younger, investing in Schlotterbeck will surely make a lot of sense.
While Borussia Dortmund are reluctant to part ways with the 25-year-old and he still has over two years remaining on his contract, they could sanction a sale for the right price, as it would provide funds to strengthen the squad.
