Newcastle United-linked striker wanted by Allan Saint-Maximin ‘set’ to join AC Milan

AC Milan are set to put some of the cash gained from Sandro Tonali’s imminent transfer to Newcastle United towards funding a move for Marcus Thuram.

Newcastle are understood to have agreed a £60million fee with the Serie A club for Tonali, with head of recruitment Steve Nickson travelling to meet the 23-year-old today (Friday).

Tonali is currently in Romania with Italy under-21s competing at the European Championships. The midfielder claimed an assist in his side’s Group D opener against France yesterday, which they narrowly lost 2-1.

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The former Brescia player is expected to undergo his medical over the weekend ahead of becoming the Magpies’ first signing of the summer.

As the Tonali transfer approaches the final stages, Milan have reportedly turned their attention to signing Thuram, who is a free agent after leaving Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach.

According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Milan have reached an agreement in principle with the France international on a five-year contract worth £5m-per-season.

The 25-year-old, who scored 44 goals in 134 games for Gladbach, has been one of the most sought-after free agents with Paris Saint-Germain recently holding talks with the striker.

Premier League clubs such as Newcastle United, Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked.

Indeed, Thuram is close friends with Magpies winger Allan Saint-Maximin, who said earlier this year he’d like to see him move to St James’ Park.

“He is a great player and I hope we have a chance to take him here.” Saint-Maximin said. “For me, he’s a great player.

“I’ve known this guy a long time. I’ve been playing football with him when I was very young. I know all his family. He has great parents. He’s an incredible guy.”