Newcastle United hold talks over defender - have already agreed £55m deal with club
Newcastle United have spoken to AC Milan regarding a potential deal for centre-back Malick Thiaw.
With both Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman sidelined until the end of the year with ACL injuries, the Magpies are looking to bolster their defensive options this summer.
United head coach Eddie Howe has already brought in Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer from former club AFC Bournemouth. With the 25-year-old capable of playing as a left-sided centre-half or left-back, the focus has now switched to strengthening the right side.
While any potential incoming will face the tough task of edging Fabian Schar out of the team, it is a position Newcastle are light in with only Emil Krafth offering right-footed cover. Krafth, by trade, is a right-back but did move into the centre of defence on a handful of occasions last season.
After missing out on Tosin Adarabioyo to Chelsea, the Magpies are assessing the market and according to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto have made contact over signing Thiaw.
Howe got a first-hand at the 22-year-old last season when he partnered Fikayo Tomari - another Newcastle target - at the back during the two clubs’ 0-0 draw in the San Siro in September. Thiaw missed the return fixture at St James’ Park because of a hamstring injury which restricted him to 21 Serie A appearances last term.
How much it would cost to secure a move for the German defender is currently unclear, although Italian publication Sport Mediaset report Milan would accept no less than €25million (£21.1m). Thiaw is under contract at the Rossoneri until 2027 after arriving from Schalke 04 two years ago.
It was only 12 months ago since Newcastle and Milan last did business when Sandro Tonali arrived on Tyneside for a reported £55m. The midfielder played 12 times before receiving a 10-month ban for illegal betting offences. He is eligible to return in late August against Tottenham Hotspur.
Meanwhile, In conversations between both clubs, Moretto also claimed Kieran Trippier’s “situation was taken into consideration but at the moment the topic is not progressing.” NewcastleWorld understands it is a possibility that Trippier, into the final year of his contract, will leave St James’ Park this summer with several clubs in the Middle East open to signing the 33-year-old.