Personal terms & long-term deal agreed after £25m Newcastle United 'green light' claim

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Italian giants have agreed personal terms on a long-term contract with Strahinja Pavlovic of RB Salzburg. Negotiations are underway between the two clubs with a transfer fee expected to reached soon.

By signing a centre-back, it suggests Milan are ready or indeed preparing for life without Malick Thiaw, who is among the players under consideration at Newcastle.

Earlier this month, Italian broadcaster SportMediaset - as relayed by Tuttomercato - reported that Thiaw is not on Milan’s ‘unsellable list’, meaning they could give the deal the ‘green light’ if the Magpies submit an offer between £21million to £25m.

The 22-year-old is under contract the Rossoneri until 2027 after arriving from Schalke 04 two years ago. He has gone to make 54 appearances, helping the club reach the Champions League semi-finals and Europa League quarter-final in consecutive seasons.

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Magpies’ boss Eddie Howe got a first-hand look at Thiaw last season when he partnered Fikayo Tomari - another Newcastle target - in defence during the two clubs’ 0-0 draw in the San Siro in September. He missed the return Champions League group stage fixture at St James’ Park because of a hamstring injury which restricted him to 21 Serie A appearances last term.

With both Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman sidelined until the end of the year with ACL injuries, United will look to bolster their defensive options in the coming months. Howe has already brought in Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer from former club AFC Bournemouth.

It was only 12 months ago since Newcastle and Milan last did business when Sandro Tonali arrived on Tyneside for a reported £55m

The Italian midfielder played 12 times before receiving a 10-month ban for illegal betting offences. He is eligible to return in late August for the Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur.