Newcastle ‘likely’ to make bid for £35m player very soon after ‘in depth’ discussions

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Newcastle United are on course to make a bid for the centre-back that they are craving.

The Magpies have already signed Lloyd Kelly this summer, with the 25-year-old arriving on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

However, Eddie Howe is also keen to add a right-sided centre-back to his squad, with Newcastle eager to draft in Fabian Schar’s long-term successor.

Newcastle hold talks with AC Milan

It looks like Malick Thiaw is Newcastle’s number one target, with Toon officials holding talks with AC Milan over a potential deal for the 22-year-old.

That is according to HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has spoke to Geordie Boot Boys about the Magpies’ interest in Thiaw.

“Newcastle United have spoken to Milan in depth,” he said.

“Malick Thiaw and Fikayo Tomori have come up in conversations.

Thiaw ticks a few boxes – Newcastle like him and there is interest there. They have known about him for a while. He wouldn’t be as expensive as Gatti at Juventus. I suspect he’s near the top of their list and I would expect some sort of approach from Newcastle. Talks are ongoing and an offer is likely to go in very soon.

“Tomori would be a lot more expensive in terms of wages, and in terms of the fee as well. He is also a little bit older too, while there is more interest in Tomori.”

Newcastle moving for Thiaw instead of Tomori

Newcastle spoke to AC Milan about Thiaw and Fikayo Tomori, one year after they signed Sandro Tonali from the Serie A giants.

It was reported in Italy earlier this summer that Newcastle were interested in Tomori, only to decide that the former Chelsea man was too expensive.

That is understandable, with Thiaw now the leading candidate to arrive at St James’ Park. AC Milan want £35million for Thiaw, while Newcastle are hoping to pay closer to £25million. Hopefully there will be a compromise, with Toon officials putting a lot of effort in to bring the German to Tyneside.

Thiaw has been described as Newcastle’s dream signing, which would imply that people inside the club are in total agreement about bringing him in. That is a contrast to an alternative target, with some people not keen on Newcastle signing Jean-Clair Todibo after Paul Mitchell held talks with his representatives.

Unsurprisingly, there have been plenty of players considered, but it would appear that Thiaw is the unanimous choice to come in and be Sven Botman’s long-term partner at the heart of the Newcastle United defence.