The German government's new coordinator for trans-Atlantic relations says he doubts talks aimed at securing a "no-spy" agreement with the US will produce a deal that's legally binding.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government is seeking such an accord following revelations on surveillance by the National Security Agency, including allegations that Merkel's cellphone was monitored.

Earlier this week, US President Barack Obama said there's no country with which Washington has "a no-spy agreement".

Philipp Missfelder, who recently took on the coordinator role, told reporters on Thursday that Berlin is continuing to push for a deal, but he's "realistic" and doesn't expect "that there will be an agreement that is binding under international law".

AP