AC Milan could be about to hand Newcastle a major boost in their bid to sign Malick Thiaw

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Newcastle United could be about to receive some major transfer encouragement as Paul Mitchell looks to make his mark at St James’ Park.

The Magpies have not signed anyone since Paul Mitchell was appointed sporting director, with Newcastle’s £100million transfer budget still yet to be utilised.

Eddie Howe is keen for new signings to arrive in time for the pre-season trip to Japan, but that will be difficult as Newcastle prepare to head to the Far East after this Saturday’s friendly against Hull City.

Mitchell is under pressure to give Howe the transfer boost that he wants this week, although an opportunity could be opening up.

AC Milan might be willing to do business with Newcastle United

Earlier this summer, Newcastle United were linked with Malick Thiaw.

The AC Milan player was identified as a dream signing for Newcastle, with Howe eager to bring in another centre-back following the arrival of Lloyd Kelly.

Thiaw appears to be Newcastle’s top target, while AC Milan might be opening the door for him to depart.

According to Gazzetta Dello Sport in Italy, AC Milan are getting closer to agreeing a deal to sign Strahinja Pavlovic from Red Bull Salzburg.

They report that Pavlovic is eager to join the Serie A giants, with £17million possibly set to be enough to reach an agreement with his current employer.

Gazzetta Dello Sport add that a deal for Pavlovic could result in AC Milan allowing Thiaw to sign for Newcastle United.

They state that the Magpies are interested and could come ‘knocking’ for the 22-year-old, with a ‘heavy offer’ required for Milan to let him go.

Paul Mitchell is a fan of Malick Thiaw

This deal could be about to open up for Newcastle United, with various outlets reporting on the Magpies’ interest in Thiaw.

Gianluca Di Marzio reported on Monday night that Newcastle are ready to make a move for Thiaw, with Paul Mitchell a fan of the German defender.

However, the report adds that a formal offer from the Magpies is yet to be submitted.

But that will hopefully change soon, and Newcastle’s interest in Thiaw could accelerate once Milan have secured his replacement.

With Mitchell a fan and Newcastle linked before he had even arrived, Thiaw feels like a player who everyone at the club is keen to sign. That should include Eddie Howe, with the Newcastle manager set to collaborate with Mitchell over the club’s recruitment.