Newcastle Put On High Alert After 'Freiburg Lower Their Asking Price For Defender Nico Schlotterbeck'

Newcastle United could pick up one of their reported transfer targets for less than expected in the summer window.

According to reports in Germany, Freiburg have massively reduced their asking price for defender Nico Schlotterbeck.

Previous reports had claimed the Bundesliga club wanted £40m for Schlotterbeck in January, when Newcastle were scrambling to sign defensive reinforcements.

Schlotterbeck, 22, has impressed this season, helping Freiburg to fifth in the Bundesliga table.

German giants Bayern Munich have also been linked with the defender, who has made 22 appearances in all competitions this term.

Newcastle spent more than £90m in the January transfer window in an attempt to ensure their status as a top-flight club.

The Magpies spent around £35m to sign midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Lyon, while striker Chris Wood arrived in a £25m move from relegation rivals Burnley.

Three defenders also arrived at St James’ Park last month.

Kieran Trippier joined in a £12m move from Atletico Madrid, while Dan Burn signed for a similar fee from Brighton – with Matt Targett also joining on loan from Aston Villa.

Newcastle were also linked with Sevilla defender Diego Carlos and Lille’s Sven Botman last month but a move for both failed to materialise.

Newcastle’s new arrivals had a positive impact on Tuesday as the Magpies beat Everton 3-1 at St James’ Park.

The win lifted Newcastle out of the drop zone and up to 17^th in the Premier League, with the club now two points clear of the relegation places.