Newcastle United have finally managed to break their pre-season losing streak as they played out a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspurs recently. As Eddie Howe’s men prepare on-field for next season, the club officials are busy in the background trying to bring in signings to bolster the squad, and it looks like things are set to improve on that front as well.
Newcastle recently placed an improved bid for their primary striker target, Benjamin Sesko, and fans could expect some good news soon. Nevertheless, the Magpies still need a reliable centre-back to reinforce their defence and have been searching for potential candidates for the job. They were initially heavily linked with Atalanta youngster Giorgio Scalvini, but the Serie A sides were unwilling to sell the player, and talks have died down regarding the transfer.
Meanwhile, it seems the Magpies have now brought back their sights on another Serie A defender, this time from AC Milan. Matteo Moretto (via Milan News) provided a major update regarding Malick Thiaw’s future, who was linked with a move to St James’ Park in the last summer transfer window. Moretto said:
"Malick Thiaw continues to be a Newcastle target. Milan and Como had reached an agreement for 25 million euros in recent weeks, but the German did not accept the transfer because his priority was and is to stay at Milan."
Newcastle United are still interested in AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw
Newcastle’s initial interest in the player last summer was cut short as they shifted their focus on Marc Guehi instead. While the English defender still remains on the club’s radar, the Magpies are unwilling to match Crystal Palace’s valuation of the player. So Thiaw could be a cost-effective alternative for Guehi.
The 23-year-old joined AC Milan from FC Schalke in 2022 for a reported fee of just €9.3 million. He has appeared in 85 matches overall for the Serie A giants and has gone on to nail down a regular spot in the team.
Newcastle could play the Champions League card to lure the player, as AC Milan have failed to qualify for the European tournament next season. It remains to be seen if this news does materialise into something or goes down as just another rumour.