Newcastle United have had AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw on their radar for some time
Malick Thiaw of AC Milan controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League football match against Newcastle United
AC Milan defender and Newcastle United transfer target, Malick Thiaw, appears to be angling for a San Siro stay despite vast interest in his signature this summer.
The German international looked to set to join fellow Serie A side Como this week but appears to have developed doubts over the switch. Instead, Thiaw arrived back at Milan training one day early in a bid to impress new manager Massimiliano Allegri.
The 23-year-old is available for around £20m, proving a cheaper alternative to some Premier League targets this summer. AC Milan finished eighth in Serie A last season, missing out on European football and sparking a first-team exodus.
Newcastle tracked the centre-back last summer but opted against making a move. This time around, it is understood interest very much remains in the player but no offer has been made.
Instead, it is Atalanta's Giorgio Scalvini who sits towards the top of Eddie Howe's defensive shopping list. The 21-year-old is seen as one of Italy's best centre-backs, with a bright future on the horizon.
Scalvini suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament [ACL] injury at the start of last season, only to return to action before a shoulder injury curtailed his season. Atalanta are desperate to keep the youngster in Bergamo beyond the summer.
United's defensive pursuit comes as moves are made at the opposite end of the pitch. An improved bid was launched for Anthony Elanga this week, with progress made in their pursuit of the 23-year-old Sweden winger.
For Eddie Howe, a player of Elanga's ilk would offer much-needed competition and additional firepower at the top end of the pitch. There is still some way to go before the deal can cross the line but confidence is certainly growing over the Nottingham Forest flyer becoming the Magpies' first, senior signing of the 2025 summer window.
Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.