Newcastle United remain interested in AC Milan centre-half Malick Thiaw, and England international Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been complimentary when asked about his German team-mate
AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek
AC Milan's Ruben Loftus-Cheek has praised his team-mate and Newcastle target Malick Thiaw
(Image: Getty)
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has praised AC Milan centre-half and Newcastle United target Malick Thiaw as a 'fighter.'
For some time, the Magpies have sought a partner for Sven Botman in central defense, relying on Dan Burn and Fabian Schar to fill this role. Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi was pursued last summer to no avail, but German powerhouse Thiaw remains on the club's radar.
The Germany international has been with the Rossoneri since 2022, and while he fell out of favour with the club near the tail end of last season, England ace Loftus-Cheek has given him a glowing review.
Speaking to SportWeek, Loftus-Cheek, who Eddie Howe's side has also targeted in the past, was asked some quickfire questions about his AC Milan team-mates. When he was queried about which of his peers he believes fights the most, he didn't mince his words and swiftly replied: "Malick Thiaw."
It is clear that, though Loftus-Cheek did single out goalkeeper Mike Maignan as the club's most vocal dressing room leader, Thiaw is regarded by his fellow players as a respectable, dedicated character and could bring that to St James' Park.
The 6ft3in German is as dominant on the field as he seems to be off of it, but found gametime hard to come by last term, and looked certain to move on from the San Siro this summer.
Malick Thiaw of AC Milan arrives at Parco dei Principi Hotel
Thiaw has long been a Newcastle target(Image: Getty)
However, despite Serie A side Como coming close to sealing a £21.7million deal for the defender earlier in the window, Thiaw channelled that characteristic Loftus-Cheek praised him for, and fought for his first-team place under new manager Massimiliano Allegri.
It was reported that Thiaw arrived back from his pre-season break early to impress and did not want to commit to a move away. Allegri has used him plenty in pre-season, including in recent clashes against Arsenal and Liverpool.
Despite almost departing the club for nearer £20m, this significant shift in fortunes now means that a rumoured fee of £30m or more would be required to secure his services. Yet, Sky in Germany report that personal terms have been agreed with Thiaw and Newcastle.
Whether he ends up a Newcastle player or not, Loftus-Cheek's glowing review is indicative of the player they would be getting should they shell out, and head coach Howe is another who has sung his praises.
Questioned about the defender last summer, Howe stated: "There's no updates on that. I'm always reluctant to comment on these things, but he's a player I know about. Of course I do, from our games in the Champions League against Milan and yeah, he's a very good player, but that's it."
Newcastle may have some funds to work with should the Alexander Isak transfer saga result in the Swede departing the club, and another option besides Thiaw could be Palace's Guehi, despite the Magpies missing out on him last summer.
The Times claim that Liverpool will not return with a third bid for the defender this window after seeing two offers rebuffed. Guehi, whose contract expires next year, is thought to be valued at close to £50m by the Eagles, with the possibility of landing him for £40m also swirling.
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