£30m Chelsea player has ‘never’ shown any interest in joining Newcastle

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Newcastle United’s search for a centre-back looks set to lead them to Italy, but they do have the option of staying domestic.

Malick Thiaw is Newcastle’s top target right now, with the Magpies hoping to pay around £25million for the 22-year-old. However, AC Milan value him closer to £35million.

As the two parties aim to agree a fee, it is clear that Thiaw is Newcastle’s defensive priority. The club want to sign a second centre-back after Lloyd Kelly, and the Germany international is the player that they want.

However, it has been reported that Newcastle have discussed signing Trevoh Chalobah. The Chelsea academy graduate looks set to be on his way out of Stamford Bridge, having not been included in their pre-season trip to the USA.

Why Newcastle have not been able to sign Trevoh Chalobah as Chelsea exit looms

Chalobah has been linked with Newcastle a lot in the past, but a deal has never come to fruition.

Now HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey has explained why, having spoke to Geordie Boot Boys about the 25-year-old’s future.

“Chelsea have told him that he will not be in the Premier League squad,” he said.

“Chalobah is a player who Newcastle have looked at in the past, but he has never shown a willingness to move to the North East. That has been the main problem.

“He is on a big contract and will not be cheap.”

Newcastle can get better value on the continent

With Chalobah very much available and Newcastle United in the market for a centre-back, it is no surprise to see the Magpies linked.

However, a deal seems extremely unlikely. As Bailey says, Chalobah has never indicated that he would be interested in living up North, which is kind of a key factor if you play for Newcastle United…

Away from that, it is not a deal that Newcastle should be pursuing, anyway. Chalobah will not be cheap, with Fabrizio Romano stating that his asking price is £30million.

In comparison, that is similar to what Newcastle could end up paying for Thiaw, who is three years younger and more suited to being Sven Botman’s long-term partner at St James’ Park.

Newcastle can get better value if they look further afield, and that is exactly what they appear to be doing. The priority is Thiaw, despite Chalobah’s sudden availability.