AC Milan make their decision on Fikayo Tomori with Newcastle United eyeing a move

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Newcastle United have been linked with a move for AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori.

The Magpies need a long-term right-sided central defender with Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles’ contract expiring at the end of the season.

There is a chance Schar’s Newcastle deal could be extended before the end of the season. There is no news on whether Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will keep Lascelles around. The 31-year-old has been missing for almost a year with an ACL injury and will be far down the pecking order on his return.

Newcastle want Tomori who is keen on a return back to England after he fell out of favour with AC Milan’s previous head coach Paolo Fonseca.

Italian giants Juventus are also interested in Tomori. Reports earlier in January suggested that Milan’s new head coach Sergio Conceicao was to decide Tomori’s future after the Italian Supercoppa final on January 6.

Now, a recent report has provided Conceicao’s decision amid Newcastle’s interest.

Tomori set to snub Newcastle to stay at Milan

Tomori has become more of a mainstay in Milan’s starting XI since Conceicao’s arrival. The 27-year-old played 90 minutes in wins against Hellas Verona and Como.

Reports suggest that Tomori would cost Newcastle around £31.5million if he were to leave in January. With PSR still an issue, it’s unknown whether the Magpies could afford to pay that. They are set for a £10m boost in the coming days, however. Miguel Almiron is close to a Newcastle exit with a move back to his former club Atlanta United on the cards.

According to CaughtOffside, Conceicao is set to make Tomori’s move away difficult. The Milan boss sees Tomori as an important piece of the puzzle for his tactical set-up.

The report suggests that West Ham are also interested in the defender who has kept three clean sheets in 11 games this season. A move to Newcastle or the Hammers now looks unlikely.

Tomori made a permanent move to Milan from Chelsea following an initial loan spell where he helped the Italian side win the Serie A. He has gone on to make 161 appearances in all competitions for the Rossoneri.

Newcastle’s defensive options away from Tomori

With Tomori now looking like he’ll stay in Italy. Newcastle’s sporting director Paul Mitchell must consider what options are available elsewhere.

The Magpies have been linked with moves for several defenders in January. Most recently, Newcastle are battling Liverpool for Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande who has a £67m release clause.

Newcastle missed out on Abdukodir Khusanov to Manchester City who will be joining the club imminently. However, Newcastle have targeted Khusanov’s RC Lens teammate Kevin Danso. The 26-year-old has kept five clean sheets for Will Still’s side this season.

Elsewhere, Newcastle were linked with Benfica’s Antonio Silva who is reportedly unhappy with his game time this season. The defender is available for £41.4m.

Howe can also look towards Newcastle’s under-21s for bodies if need be. In particular, Cathal Heffernan who has previously trained with Newcastle’s first-team squad.