The Magpies are aiming to add Thiaw to their ranks after discussions on a price with the Serie A club
Malick Thiaw of Milan (C) celebrates his goal against AC Milan with his teammate Rafael Leao
Malick Thiaw of Milan (C) celebrates his goal against AC Milan with his teammate Rafael Leao
(Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle United are close to completing the signing of AC Milan star Malick Thiaw.
The signing of the right-footed Serie A star would give head coach Eddie Howe a major boost in what has been a tough summer in the transfer market.
A deal worth around £35m has been lined up with Thiaw set to bring instant competition to the heart of defence with Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar already on board as right-sided centre-halves.
The 24-year-old is believed to have agreed personal terms in principle with United and could make the journey to the UK in the coming days according to Sky Sports.
Speaking about transfers last night, in the aftermath of the 2-2 draw with Espanyol, Howe said on transfers: "I am hopeful but I've been hopeful for a number of weeks.
"As I've said so many times, everybody behind the scenes has been working incredibly hard trying to get some movement in the transfer market, but it is difficult. It has to be the right player and the right price.
"A lot of conditions have to be right for a transfer to go through.
"I do believe we can still produce a very strong team. The balance of the squad isn't quite right. We know that and hope to adjust that with some of the signings we hope to make, but let's wait and see what happens."
Thiaw has a contract with Milan until 2027 and initially the San Siro side were keen for the star to stay on but the fee of £35m appears to be too tempting for the Italian giants.
Thiaw was in Dublin today and on the bench for Milan against Leeds - and Newcastle have plans on standby to quickly move transfer targets to Tyneside in the event of a medical.