How Newcastle United now feel about Malick Thiaw after Marc Guehi approach

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Newcastle United are going to go big on a centre-back during this summer’s transfer window, but it remains unclear which one.

For a long time, it looked like AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw was the top target, as Newcastle United eyed a right-sided centre-back to come in and be Fabian Schar’s long-term successor.

Eddie Howe praised Thiaw in the media, with a deal seemingly heading in the right direction. Newcastle held talks with Thiaw’s agent, but then the rumours went quiet.

Newcastle approach Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi

As Thiaw talk went silent, the Magpies began to make a new racket by trying to sign Marc Guehi.

Newcastle have approached Crystal Palace about signing Guehi, with the 24-year-old’s stock higher than ever after his Euro 2024 exploits with England.

He would be a marquee signing on Tyneside, and it has been reported that Guehi is open to a move to Newcastle.

It would be an expensive move, however, with Crystal Palace wanting more than £60million for Guehi.

Speculation over a move for the former Chelsea centre-back has excited Toon fans, but it has also raised questions over the Magpies’ interest in Thiaw – a man who looked destined to arrive in the North East.

Newcastle’s Malick Thiaw stance

According to iNews, Newcastle United are still interested in AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw.

They report that Newcastle have been in talks for another centre-back over the past week, despite making their move for Guehi.

iNews add that a ‘surprise target’ is also a possibility, amid the interest in Guehi and Thiaw.

Thiaw would be cheaper than Guehi

Newcastle are going to have to break the bank to sign Guehi. He could even become Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever. That record currently belongs to Alexander Isak, who cost £63million in 2022.

If the Magpies do spend more than £60million on Guehi, it will likely have a major impact on the rest of Paul Mitchell’s summer business.

The new sporting director also needs to bring in a right winger – someone who can take Newcastle’s attack to the next level. That is where most of the club’s summer budget has been expected to go.

That could change if Guehi arrives, but not if Newcastle go for Thiaw. The Germany international would be much cheaper, with AC Milan looking to receive £35million for Thiaw. Newcastle want to pay less than that amount, valuing him at £25million.

Newcastle could potentially get Thiaw for half the price of Guehi, but he is more of a risk. He is untested in the Premier League, and there are no guarantees he will adapt to English football.

In contrast, Guehi is the real deal, and is a proven Premier League centre-back. He is a leader too, having worn the captain’s armband for Crystal Palace.

But those qualities will come at a price.