Fabrizio Romano shares why ‘brilliant’ Newcastle target’s price has now dropped

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Newcastle United are interested in the signing of a new central defender.

Though there is hope that Newcastle will be able to develop Lloyd Kelly into a better player after sealing a free transfer from Bournemouth, the backline remains an issue.

Indeed, Eddie Howe pointed to the drop-off in his team’s defending upon the culmination of last season, with there having been an alarming dip in standards.

Newcastle conceded 29 more goals last season than they did during the 2022-23 campaign and will be without the services of Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles for the foreseeable future due to long-term injuries.

Tosin Adarabioyo was a target before he opted to join Chelsea, forcing the club to look elsewhere.

Malick Thiaw of AC Milan is previously said to have been the “dream” signing of the club’s recruitment staff.

Hailed as “brilliant” by scouts, the club are reportedly confident about signing the German international.

Now, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has shared some insight.

Fabrizio Romano provides Malick Thiaw to Newcastle transfer update

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the noted Italian journalist confirmed Newcastle’s interest in the player.

Interestingly, Romano adds that the defender enjoyed a brilliant first two seasons at Milan before dropping off due to injury, which perhaps explains why his valuation has dropped.

As a result, Newcastle are said to view his potential availability as a good opportunity, particularly as they believe Thiaw has big potential.

“The appreciation of the player is 100% confirmed, he’s a player they really like,” he said.

“They believe he has big potential.

“He had a fantastic first two seasons at Milan, and last year he was not in the best shape, so that’s probably why the price dropped, and Newcastle believe that could be a nice opportunity for them.

“They already asked for Malick Thiaw at the end of June, when they were looking for opportunities for a potential swap deal with Milan for Financial Fair Play reasons. They tried to make that happen.

“Kieran Trippier was discussed as part of the negotiation, then everything collapsed.”

Malick Thiaw suffered an injury last season

Such was the injury crisis at Newcastle last season, the club must be wary about fitness records when signing players.

Thiaw did miss 15 games last season due to a hamstring injury, as Romano alludes to.

Clearly, no signing is without risk and injuries are part of the game. Still, if this one affords Newcastle a run at a big target for less money, perhaps it’s an opportunity they cannot afford to pass up.