Newcastle United are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck, according to reports.

The German international could be set for a transfer either in January or at the end of the season, with TEAMtalk claiming that the Magpies are “dark horses” in the battle for the player’s services.

Schlotterbeck is closing in on the final 18 months of his contract at Dortmund and he is not expected to sign a new deal.

That has prompted speculation that the defender could leave Signal Iduna Park in the New Year.

Newcastle are one of many suitors

It is believed that Eddie Howe‘s side have tracked Schlotterbeck for quite some time, although they are not favourites for his signature at the moment.

Liverpool and Manchester United are among the other teams who are expected to make offers for the 25-year-old, but Barcelona are deemed to be his favoured destination.

The La Liga champions are managed by another German, Hansi Flick, and the head coach is reportedly pushing hard for his club to sign Schlotterbeck, with the player also keen on the move.

Schlotterbeck’s price tag is dropping fast

The centre-half is unlikely to cost a great deal due to his contract situation. TEAMtalk claim that Dortmund are currently holding out for a fee between €40m (£35m) and €50m (£44m).

However, if Schlotterbeck stays with the Bundesliga side until the end of the season, his value will begin to depreciate further.

By that time, he will be within the last year of his contract, so Dortmund would not be able to command a sizeable sum. For that reason, there is a chance that his departure could be sanctioned in January. It is definitely a transfer story to keep a close eye on.

Read more about the Newcastle United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here