· 27 June 2025, 17:00
**Newcastle United wasted a large portion of last summer's transfer window locked in discussions over a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, which ultimately led to nothing but frustration.**
At the time, it felt very much like Newcastle's transfer strategy last summer was 'Marc Guehi or nobody'; however, there were other defenders whose names were mentioned with links to Newcastle.
Newcastle were heavily linked with two of AC Milan's centre-backs: England defender Fikayo Tomori and Germany's Malick Thiaw.
Thiaw actually looked like a deal that could get done at one point before all the attention seemed to turn towards Guehi.
> [](https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1938211291144872428)
Como are closing in on a deal for Malick Thiaw
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A year later, Newcastle are still in the market for a centre-back, and Marc Guehi is still the expected number one target. While Malick Thiaw has been mentioned again this summer, it now looks like the opportunity is about to pass Newcastle by, according to Fabrizio Romano.
> "🚨🔵 Understand Como and AC Milan have agreed €25m package for Malick Thiaw."Deal now depends on the player and personal terms, as Thiaw will decide soon.
>
> "The two clubs are in contact for both Álvaro Morata and Thiaw deals."
Why aren't Newcastle in for Malick Thiaw at £21m?
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Como look set to be the prime beneficiaries of AC Milan's failure to secure European football last season if they manage to land both Morata and Thiaw.
Meanwhile, Newcastle may still look at a move for Fikayo Tomori if nothing comes of the Marc Guehi pursuit.
Though, to be honest, at £21 million, we can't imagine why we wouldn't throw our hat in the ring for Thiaw especially as we can offer Champions League football. It seems like it would be a pretty easy deal to get done.