The centre-back will be Newcastle United's third major signing of the summer
Newcastle United are set to sign Malick Thiaw
Newcastle United are set to sign Malick Thiaw
Newcastle United have now agreed a £35million move for Malick Thiaw with AC Milan - and the centre-back will jet up to Tyneside tonight.
After weekend negotiations, the discussions have proved to be swifter than other deals in this window with head coach Eddie Howe said to be ecstatic at landing the 6ft 4in defender in time for the new season.
Newcastle's interest in Thiaw never died down from previous windows and there has been a real push from the player himself to join the Magpies.
Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri made a plea for the defensive star to remain at the San Siro but his desire to play in the Premier League was too strong.
And Allegri relucantly allowed the Dusseldorf-born star to quit Milan after three years to make his top-flight dream a reality.
As reported by Chronicle Live this morning Howe has had the green light to do business on a number of targets. He is hoping to land Brentford's wantaway star Yoane Wissa next.
The addition of DR Congo star Wissa would offer a big boost, not least after Anthony Gordon's injury scare. Newcastle were beaten by Atletico Madrid and had Gordon injured late in the afternoon.
The incoming business is a welcome distraction from the Alexander Isak saga on Tyneside. Howe said yesterday: "I think I am better off focusing on the players.
"The Aston Villa game is going to be upon on us before we know it, it will be there and we need to be ready."
The arrival of Thiaw gives Newcastle fans reassurance that PIF are still very much committed to the project at St James' Park.
Howe had said on Friday night: "No, the owners are very much engaged, as much as they always have been.
"There's a lot going on at the football club behind the scenes to take the club forward, whether that's stadium-related, training ground-related.
"Unfortunately, these things do take time, and there's no quick decision-making process that can fast-forward things any quicker than they take."