Newcastle could still enter race for ‘probably one of the best’ defenders in Europe

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It’ll be fascinating to see what Newcastle United are able to do in the January transfer window.

There are suggestions, after all, that Newcastle will have money to spend in the New Year sales after a summer window so underwhelming it was slammed by Alan Shearer.

Still, the January window is a notoriously an arduous one and a difficult period in which to extract value.

Quite whether or not owners PIF will want to splash big cash in what is generally considered a rather risky window remains to be seen, though they are reportedly stressing they remain ambitious.

Having gone so big in their pursuit of Marc Guehi this summer only to have failed to sign him, the England defender has been linked again.

However, the prospect of rival clubs entering the race to complicate matters is reportedly a concern at St James’ Park, meaning other defenders have been touted as targets too.

Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, last season hailed as “probably one of the best centre-backs in terms of ball-playing skills, not just in Germany, but in all of Europe” by former Toon midfielder Didi Hamann is said to be on the radar.

Newcastle interested in move for Nico Schlotterbeck

According to Caught Offside, Eddie Howe sees the 24-year-old as a key addition to his defence.

Liverpool, however, are also said to be keen as they consider the German international as a potential replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

The Reds, in fact, are reportedly planning to make an offer worth around £41m and could be prepared to pay Schlotterbeck a yearly salary of around £5m.

Newcastle may have already changed their transfer plans

A move for a defender would be logical given just how hard Newcastle tried to sign Guehi over the course of the summer.

Still, with Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles due to return at some point from injury, the club may have a new priority.

Recently, iNews suggested focus had shifted into trying to sign a new right winger in January. With that in mind, it would seem unlikely the club would be willing to enter what could be a bidding war with Liverpool for Schlotterbeck…