Newcastle United's search for a new, young centre-back to succeed Fabian Schar has been quite the saga already after the Magpies spent weeks locked in negotiations with Crystal Palace last summer over a move for Marc Guehi before the London club pulled the plug.
Before Newcastle wasted their time with that effort, though, there was another defender who was strongly linked with a move to Tyneside, to the point where there were rumours of a deal being done.
Indeed, even Eddie Howe spoke about him at one point, which is something he'd only ever do if the deal was close.
That was, of course, Malick Thiaw from AC Milan. Now, the Germany international is back on Newcastle's radar as a move to Como looks to have hit the skids.
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Malick Thiaw is expected to leave AC Milan this summer
Newcastle have opened 'fresh talks' with Malick Thiaw's people
The Boot Room's Graeme Bailey has said that Newcastle have even held 'fresh talks' with Thiaw over a summer move, with the 23-year-old told he can leave AC Milan this summer.
Newcastle are still very keen on Giorgio Scalvini who also plays in Serie A and it feels like a move for at least one of these young centre-backs is on the cards for Eddie Howe.
Thiaw didn't have the best of campaigns for Milan last season, and Scalvini only managed eight appearances for Atalanta due to injury, so both will likely have some work to do to get up to Eddie Howe's levels.
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Newcastle could potentially sign Thiaw and Scalvini for less than they'd pay for Marc Guehi
Both players could be available for under £30 million each, which means that with the money it would likely cost Newcastle to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, we could bring both of them to the club.
We'd definitely rather take a chance on two young players with no Premier League experience than overpay for one who does.
We doubt that Newcastle would bring both in, however with so many other positions needing attention too.