One of Newcastle United’s summer transfer targets has had his eyes on a move elsewhere, and could now be about to get his wish.
The Magpies are aiming to sign a right-sided centre-back ahead of the new season, and their search has taken them to Italy.
Malick Thiaw is Newcastle’s top target, with Toon officials looking to sign a player from AC Milan for the second consecutive summer.
And the Magpies’ pursuit has been boosted by AC Milan closing in on a deal to sign Strahinja Pavlovic, who could be Thiaw’s replacement.
Newcastle could very much be in business, but the German is not the only defender that the club have considered.
Newcastle looked at Jean-Clair Todibo
As well as Thiaw, Newcastle also considered Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice.
Paul Mitchell held talks with Todibo’s representatives, despite not everyone at Newcastle United being keen to sign the 24-year-old Frenchman.
A deal has not progressed, however, with Todibo eager to leave the Ligue 1 side and sign for Juventus. He wants to wear black and white – just not the black and white of Newcastle United.
Jean-Clair Todibo to get Juventus wish
Todibo wants to join Juventus, and that is now closer to becoming a reality.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has provided an update on Todibo’s future.
He wrote on X: “Juventus will submit opening bid for Jean Clair Todibo next week. It’s expected to be loan with mandatory buy clause for potential fee close to €35m. Positive meeting with player’s camp in last 24h to confirm five year deal agreed and Todibo’s desire, only Juventus.”
Newcastle forced to look elsewhere
With Todibo only interested in signing for Juventus, Newcastle have been forced to look elsewhere.
That is despite Paul Mitchell wanting to bring Todibo to St James’ Park. However, the feeling was not mutual across the board.
Instead, the Magpies will be signing a different centre-back, and it should be someone who Newcastle officials unanimously agree on. Hopefully that is Thiaw, as he is the leading contender to arrive on Tyneside.
As long as Mitchell and Eddie Howe are in agreement, that is all that matters. Howe has been told that recruitment will be a collaborative effort, while Mitchell is eager to work with the Newcastle boss rather than just sign whoever he wants.
Hopefully their collaboration starts bearing fruit, as Newcastle United desperately need to make a breakthrough in the transfer market.
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