Newcastle United are edging closer to a deal for AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, according to reports from the Times.
The 22-year-old has become Newcastle’s first choice to strengthen the centre of the defence, following long-term injuries to the imperious Sven Botman and club captain Jamaal Lascelles.
Eddie Howe has already added Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly this summer on a free transfer, but remains keen to sign at least one further player in that position, following a failed move for Tosin Adarabiayo, who snubbed the Magpies in favour of a move to Chelsea.
Thiaw is a 6ft 4in defender that has been capped three times for the German national team. He moved to Milan from Schalke O4 for £7m in 2022 and has since established himself as a first team regular alongside Fikayo Tomori as the club recorded back-to-back top four finishes in Serie A whilst also reaching the semi-final of the Champions League in 2023.
Howe is keen to add another commanding central defender to his group and was impressed with Thiaw’s performances against the Magpies in last season’s Champions League group stage.
Football Insider reports that Newcastle have already submitted an ambitious opening bid of around £25m for the defender, but claim the Italian heavyweights are holding off on accepting any deal until their £35m valuation is matched.
This would not be the first time that Newcastle have struck a deal with AC Milan. Last summer they were able to land former Milan captain Sandro Tonali for a huge figure in the region of £55m. The 24-year-old instantly became a favourite in the North East when he fired in the club’s first goal of the season on his debut during a 5-1 victory against Aston Villa.
Tonali enjoyed a promising start in the North East in his first 12 games, but has been absent for a number of months following a betting related suspension. That ban expires at the end of next month just days before the Tottenham match on 1 September and fans will have big expectations for the Italian when he returns.
Newcastle are the frontrunners to land Thiaw this summer as they try to build a team that can once again finish in the top four positions. However, German outlet WAZ claims Champions League holders Real Madrid are also monitoring the situation closely despite boasting Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Eder Militao in their ranks.
