Newcastle United have stepped up their interest in AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, amid their desperate pursuit of a striker.
While all the talk is about Newcastle United missing out on Benjamin Sesko, the Magpies also have other issues to address. Newcastle want three signings before the transfer window closes, one of which needs to be a centre-back.
Newcastle tried to buy Dean Huijsen earlier in the summer, but missed out to Real Madrid.
Eddie Howe has always had alternatives, one of which has been Malick Thiaw. Geordie Boot Boys reported in May that Newcastle were targeting Thiaw again, having attempted to sign him in 2024.
Malick Thiaw passes the ball during an AC Milan friendly against Arsenal.
Photo by AC Milan/AC Milan via Getty Images
AC Milan plan to keep Malick Thiaw despite Newcastle United interest
Now the Magpies have made their move to sign the 23-year-old, with reports in Italy suggesting that an offer has been submitted for the AC Milan player.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport journalist Luca Bianchin on X, Newcastle United have proposed a deal worth £26million for Thiaw.
However, Bianchin states that AC Milan have turned the offer down and intend to keep the defender at the San Siro after impressing new manager Massimiliano Allegri during pre-season.
Il Newcastle ha offerto 30 milioni al Milan per Malick Thiaw.
Il Milan, nonostante l’offerta, ha intenzione di tenere Thiaw, soprattutto dopo che Allegri lo ha visto e apprezzato in tournée. pic.twitter.com/VrH6BHrSNX
— luca bianchin (@lucabianchin7) August 6, 2025
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However, Craig Hope has added to the Thiaw situation, stating on X that Newcastle United sources are saying that a ‘formal offer’ for the Germany international has not been submitted.
Hope adds that Newcastle are ‘exploring’ a deal to sign Thiaw from AC Milan.
AC Milan had agreed to sell Malick Thiaw earlier this summer
Incredibly, Thiaw nearly left AC Milan earlier this summer.
It was reported in June that AC Milan agreed to sell Thiaw to Como, with a £21million deal in place. The decision was left with the player, who opted to reject Como’s advances.
What is interesting is the fee that AC Milan were willing to let Thiaw go for. It is less than what the Italian media are claiming Newcastle have offered.
The landscape in Milan has changed, with Thiaw suddenly back in favour. While he is a player who the Magpies admire and want to buy, it might be too late for them to strike a deal.