Eddie Howe has already given his Malick Thiaw verdict as Newcastle United discover new asking price

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Eddie Howe is hoping that Malick Thiaw could be the answer to Newcastle United’s centre-back problem.

Newcastle want three signings as a minimum before the window closes, with a centre-back seen as essential.

Geordie Boot Boys understand that Marc Guehi to Newcastle is unlikely, with Malick Thiaw emerging as the frontrunner to arrive at St James’ Park.

He was a target for Newcastle United last summer, but an agreement was not reached with AC Milan.

Eddie Howe surprised Newcastle United fans with Malick Thiaw admission last summer

In a surprising turn of events, Eddie Howe actually spoke about Thiaw and his ability to the media last summer.

It is rare that a manager speaks about a player he is trying to sign, but Howe changed his approach when Newcastle United were trying to buy Thiaw in July 2024.

During a pre-season trip to Japan, Howe said: “I’m always reluctant to comment on these things, but he’s a player I know about, of course I do, from our games in the Champions League against Milan and yeah, he’s a very good player, but that’s it.”

Despite believing that Thiaw was a ‘very good player’, Newcastle’s top target at the time was actually Marc Guehi.

Soon after Howe spoke out about Thiaw, the Magpies made their move for the England international. However, that ended in embarrassing fashion as Newcastle spent the summer chasing Guehi without being able to agree a fee.

How much Newcastle United must pay to sign Malick Thiaw

With Guehi seemingly not an option for Newcastle in 2025, a move for Thiaw is back on the agenda.

It has been reported that Newcastle bid £26million for Thiaw, but it was rejected by AC Milan.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan want at least £30million for the 23-year-old.

That is not a massive gap for Newcastle to bridge, while there have also been claims that personal terms have already been agreed.

Sky Germany reporter Patrick Berger has stated on X that Newcastle have a ‘full agreement’ with Thiaw over a four-year deal.

The Germany international is clearly interested in a move to St James’ Park, but the problem could be striking a deal with AC Milan. Massimiliano Allegri wants to keep Thiaw at the San Siro, having been impressed by him during pre-season.

It represents quite the U-turn, as Milan agreed to sell Thiaw for just £21million to Como earlier this summer. However, the player rejected the move.