Newcastle United’s centre-back search could lead them to a former target.
A new centre-back is a priority for Newcastle United, having failed to bring one in during the previous two transfer windows.
Geordie Boot Boys understand that Marc Guehi is a Newcastle target. The Magpies tried to sign him in 2024, only for Crystal Palace to stand firm and retain their captain.
Guehi remains on Newcastle United’s radar, but he is not the only 2024 target that Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell are considering signing.
Newcastle United eye AC Milan defender
That is according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has told Geordie Boot Boys that Newcastle United are once again interested in signing Malick Thiaw from AC Milan.
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
“It looks as if he [Thiaw] will be allowed to leave AC Milan this summer,” he said.
“We know he is a player who Newcastle like. Eddie Howe likes him. He’s a brilliant age. He’s played a lot for Milan this season.
“Thiaw fits the criteria for Newcastle, and they are aware of the situation regarding him.
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“Newcastle did a lot of work on him last year, so it makes sense to still be interested.”
Thiaw, who was a teammate of Sandro Tonali at AC Milan, was one of the Magpies’ top targets last summer.
Eddie Howe openly praised Thiaw to the media, as Newcastle tried to strike a deal for the Germany international.
It was reported that Thiaw was valued at £35million, but the defender ended up remaining with the Serie A giants.
Newcastle United could miss out on Bournemouth star
While Newcastle United might get another chance to sign Thiaw, another defender who the Magpies are looking at appears set to remain put.
Newcastle have missed out on Dean Huijsen, who is leaving Bournemouth to sign for Real Madrid.
However, his centre-back partner Illia Zabarnyi is unlikely to follow him out the door.
“He is not leaving Bournemouth,” Bailey told Geordie Boot Boys.
“He has not got a release clause in his contract. Bournemouth do not need to sell, with Huijsen and Kerkez set to leave.”
It was reported that Newcastle can sign Zabarnyi for £50million, but he looks set to remain at the Vitality Stadium.