Newcastle United have got their man after successful talks with AC Milan
Malick Thiaw of AC Milan
Malick Thiaw
Newcastle United welcomed Malick Thiaw to Benton last night after agreeing a £35m move to St James' Park from AC Milan.
As reported by Chronicle Live on Sunday, Thiaw jetted into Newcastle from Milan and now can't wait to get started with his new team-mates.
The 6ft 4in centre-back has had a pre-season under his belt with Milan and is ready to hit the ground running with Eddie Howe's Champions League-bound Magpies.
Thiaw can also operate as a defensive midfielder or right-back, but is renowned as one of Serie A's top centre-halves and brings serious competition to Howe's back four.
Before departing for Newcastle, Thiaw told Sky Sport in Italy: "Newcastle? I am happy with the choice.
"I'm ready for the Premier League."
Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri had last gasp attempts to try to persuade Thiaw to stay at the San Siro but his desire to sign for Newcastle shone through.
As reported by Chronicle Live on Sunday Howe has had the green light to do business on a number of targets. He is also 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."
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