· 3 July 2025, 17:15
**Newcastle United are still on the hunt for a central defender to be the long-term replacement for Fabian Schar, with several names resurfacing as potential transfer links.**
Marc Guehi is the most obvious choice as the England defender has entered the final year of his contract at Crystal Palace; however, it appears Liverpool are keen on the 24-year-old, and that could make it difficult for Newcastle to get a deal done.
Two players linked with the Magpies have already found new clubs in the form of Jarell Quansah, who has left Liverpool for Bayer Leverkusen and Dean Huijsen, who opted for Real Madrid.
Another long-term target is in the midst of a move, but Fabrizio Romano has claimed on YouTube (via [Milan News](https://www.milannews.it/calciomercato-milan/moretto-piu-passa-il-tempo-piu-e-difficile-che-thiaw-dica-si-al-como-occhio-al-newcastle-582500)) that the deal is stalling out and Newcastle could reignite their interest.
Could Malick Thiaw be back on Newcastle's wishlist?
Malick Thiaw's move to Como is stalling
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Last summer, Newcastle were reportedly very keen on AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, and some reports even suggested that a deal was close on a few separate occasions.
Obviously, nothing actually materialised and with reports saying Thiaw was on his way to Como, Newcastle's chances looked to have evaporated, but Romano has claimed that the Magpies could still be one to watch in the pursuit of the German.
> “The more time passes, the more difficult it is for Thiaw to say yes to Como. They tell me that it is true that Como is doing everything and more to try to convince him, but the German would like to continue playing in a European competition, if possible.“There is some appreciation from the Premier League. Last year Newcastle were looking for Thiaw and today Newcastle is still looking for a central defender.
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> “So keep an eye on this path, at the moment there is nothing concrete, but I can confirm that Newcastle is also evaluating Thiaw, who, in addition to returning to Germany, would be interested in an experience in the Premier League.”
Why aren't Newcastle making a move?
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The 23-year-old felt like one of Newcastle's main targets last summer, and it's strange how there doesn't seem to have been more of a push by Newcastle this year.
It does suggest that Thiaw was one of the club's infamous smokescreens thrown up while they work on another deal in the background, which was likely Marc Guehi.
However, Malick Thiaw is clearly available and Newcastle have scouted him, so why don't we actually try and hijack the move to Como?