TBR Football can confirm that Newcastle United are keen to sign Malick Thiaw from AC Milan this summer.
The Magpies have had a terrible transfer window so far.
After Joao Pedro, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Hugo Ekitike decided against joining the Magpies, TBR confirmed that Benjamin Sesko has snubbed Newcastle as well.
Eddie Howe will be frustrated with how this window has gone so far, and he will be hoping to get his next target – Thiaw – through the door.
But, there could be a problem.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe looks dejected during Premier League match against Burnley
Photo by Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The complication in Malick Thiaw to Newcastle United deal
Sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, that Newcastle United are advancing in talks with AC Milan over a deal for long-term target Malick Thiaw.
The Magpies have had the 23-year-old German defender on their radar for over 12 months. They tried to sign him last year, but a deal failed to materialise.
TBR revealed earlier this summer that Thiaw was emerging as one of Eddie Howe’s top options. Now, we can confirm that talks have taken place.
Newcastle have been looking for a right-sided central defender all summer, and with a move for long-term target Marc Guehi unlikely to progress, they have been assessing their options. That has led them to turn to Thiaw again.
The German, who rejected a move to Como earlier this summer, has been weighing up his options, but one complication is the fact that he has impressed new boss Massimiliano Allegri. But, we can confirm that Milan’s top brass are ready to sell him.
The Rossoneri are believed to value Thiaw at €30 million (£26.2m), and Newcastle are now in talks over a potential deal to bring him to St James’ Park. However, there is no guarantee that this will get over the line.
Bailey told TBR: “I can confirm Newcastle have held talks – Thiaw is a player the club like. He is a great age, a German international and ticks a lot of boxes for Eddie Howe and what they need.
“Howe has approved the approach and now Newcastle are working on a deal. It now remains to be seen if they can come to an agreement with Milan, given Allegri’s belief that Thiaw could have a part to play under him.
“If Thiaw is convinced he has a future under Allegri, I am told it is unlikely he will leave at this point.”
Malick Thiaw has been compared to Sergio Ramos and Joel Matip
Thiaw has made a decent name for himself since joining AC Milan, and it is no surprise that Allegri likes him after watching his performances in pre-season.
The German is still only 23, and he could become an important player for the Rossoneri, but he has all the attributes to be a star in the Premier League as well.
Thiaw has even been compared to Real Madrid and Spain legend Sergio Ramos for his style of play, while he has also been likened to Joel Matip, the former Liverpool star. (AC Milan’s official website)
If Thiaw can be as good as either Ramos or Matip were in their prime, he would be a fine signing for any club, including Newcastle United.