Newcastle United are in talks to sign Freiburg defender Robin Koch.

However, they face competition in the race to sign the player from Portuguese giants Benfica.

Record in Portugal claims Benfica want to secure the defender this window.

But the 24-year-old, who has less than a year on his contract with Freiburg, could be tempted by a Premier League move.

Koch can play centre-back and central midfield, and has been linked to Tottenham and Leeds United in the past.

Freiburg want roughly £27 million for the player, with Benfica not prepared to go that high.