Newcastle United are interested in Holstein Kiel midfielder Dominick Drexler after scouting the 27-year-old several times, according to Kicker.
The German outlet claim that Championship sides Aston Villa and Cardiff City are also in the race for Drexler, who has scored eight goals in 16 games in the Bundesliga 2 this season.
In total, the attacking midfielder has ten goals and five assists in 18 games all competitions, and his productivity has seemingly attracted the attention of the Magpies.
The report claims that Holstein Kiel will demand a significant sum for their star man, with his contract running until 2019, but it is not stated exactly how much that will be.
Good move for Newcastle United?
Anyone can see that the Magpies are in desperate need of goals in January.
Their joint-top scorers on two goals are Ciaran Clark, Jamaal Lascelles, Dwight Gayle, Joselu, and Aleksandar Mitrovic, two of whom are central defenders.
They need someone who is a constant goal threat, someone who can come in and score ten goals between January and the end of the season.
Drexler could be that man, given his stunning scoring record in the German second tier this season.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
It is pretty impossible to say at this point.
The fact that the Magpies have reportedly watched him several times would suggest genuine interest, and he is the kind of player they need to go for.
He will be cheaper than other options, and at 27 years old has some decent experience too.
If a Newcastle takeover does happen however, then expect Rafa Benitez to look a bit higher than Drexler, to players that are more proven at a better level.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10