Newcastle United are now focusing on other positions after agreeing a £55m deal for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.
The Magpies are set to make their first major addition of the summer transfer window, with the 23-year-old already completing his medical on Tyneside.
Videos showed Anthony Elanga arriving in Newcastle on Tuesday evening ahead of his £55million move to the Magpies, a deal which has been long in the making for Eddie Howe.
Newcastle United are looking to strengthen their squad even further ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, which includes a return to the Champions League. It has been stated that Newcastle are prioritising a striker after the Elanga deal is done.
The stance comes after it was confirmed Callum Wilson has left Newcastle upon the expiry of his contract, leaving William Osula as the only backup to Alexander Isak next season. Reports have stated that Newcastle are linked with a move for Yoane Wissa, but have been told it will take at least £50m to get the deal off the ground.
In the meantime, a deal breaking down elsewhere will allow Howe to steal in and make a move for a defender still loved by Newcastle.
- READ MORE – Alan Shearer changes his tune after Newcastle United secure £55m agreement for Anthony Elanga
Malick Thiaw’s move to Como called off amid Newcastle United interest
Many Newcastle fans will be familiar with AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw after the transfer saga in 2024. The Magpies were in talks with the Serie A giants over a move for the German, but could not get it done due to PSR concerns and a mismatch in valuations.
Milan wanted £40m for Thiaw, while Newcastle were only willing to put down £30m. The deal broke down, and the defender stayed in Milan for another season. However, it is now believed that Thiaw is ready for the next chapter in his career.
Reports have recently stated that Thiaw was set to sign for Como, with Milan agreeing a deal in the region of £21m for the defender. However, Fabrizio Romano has since stated that the deal between the two clubs is off.
On X, Romano said: “Malick Thiaw will NOT join Como, deal off after the defender rejected the proposal. AC Milan agreed €25m fee with Como but talks now over.”
Newcastle United are big admirers of Malick Thiaw
While Newcastle are prioritising a striker after Elanga, Howe will also be keen to bring in a new right-sided centre-back this summer.
The Magpies have admitted defeat in their chase of Marc Guehi, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent weeks, so the club are now looking at alternatives.
Geordie Boot Boys exclusively reported that Thiaw to Newcastle is the one to watch, with Howe still a big admirer of the 23-year-old.
In 2024, a report stated that Howe was ‘absolutely in love’ with Thiaw and had been eyeing a move for him since 2023. The German international is keen to carry on playing in a European competition next season, which was a big reason why the deal with Como broke down.
With Newcastle in the Champions League next season, Howe could give Thiaw what he wants.
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