Newcastle United are close to agreeing a £35million deal for AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw.
Eddie Howe stayed coy when asked about Malick Thiaw’s imminent move to Newcastle United.
NewcastleWorld understands the Magpies have agreed a £35million deal for the AC Milan centre-back. Thiaw will travel to Tyneside tonight ahead of his medical tomorrow to give United a much-needed transfer breakthrough.
It is well documented how difficult this summer has been for Newcastle. Despite the luer of Champions League football, the Magpies have stumbled on several key targets - mainly in attacking areas.
Eddie Howe’s ambiguous response
Thiaw is the first centre-back Newcastle have formally made an offer for this summer. The interest goes back a while, with the Magpies linked 12 months ago before the failed Marc Guehi pursuit.
Speaking to reporters after the Atletico Madrid pre-season defeat, Howe claimed he has little knowledge on the deal’s progress. He said: “No, again… (I’ve heard) nothing. I’ve been preparing these last two games. I’m not updated on everything that’s happening.”
AC Milan proposed contract
Sky Italia claim Milan readied a fresh contract for Thiaw to keep him at the San Siro. Sporting director Igli Tare tried to convince the 24-year-old to stay on new boss Massimiliano Allegri’s orders.
The move proved futile, with Newcastle already his preferred destination. By the standards seen so far this window, the deal has materialised relatively quickly, with Thiaw set to fulfil his Premier League dream.
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‘Controlled by PSR’ - Eddie Howe
Howe once again highlighted PSR issues following Newcastle’s pre-season defeat to Atletico Madrid. He told reporters yesterday: "We're controlled by PSR," Howe said after the defeat at St James' Park. "That's still limiting what we can do and that's the reality.
"I've said many times, we're not the highest payers in the league. We're far from it and that is sometimes reflected in the choices players make. I don't think there are many players who have come here and haven't benefitted from the experience Newcastle can give you.
"Playing in front of these supporters, that's an absolute privilege and an honour that's never lost on me. It's a special place to be. Some players have a different choice. Finances play a part in that."
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