After arriving in Japan earlier this week with the rest of the Magpie contingent, Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle United, discussed the speculations that the team is interested in signing AC Milan center-back Malick Thiaw.
The 22-year-old German international is reportedly close to a £35 million (€41 million) contract with the Magpies, but Howe maintains there are no updates on the matter without disclosing if the team has made a real proposal for the d-man.
“No, it has not been updated. He is a player who I know about, of course, from our Champions League games against Milan, and yes, he is a very talented player, although I’m always hesitant to speak,” Howe remarked.
After it was reported that negotiations between the two teams and the young youngster took place over the weekend, there was a greater buzz regarding Thiaw maybe joining Newcastle. According to those sources, the teams were on the verge of reaching a deal. Additionally, earlier in July, it was claimed that Thiaw would view a move to England as a career boost.
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The Serie A team may need to bring in some reinforcements or at least obtain some sort of guarantee for a backup plan in the event that Thiaw leaves Italy this summer, but the reports also stated that AC Milan signed Strahinja Pavlovic to cover for Thiaw’s departure.
However, Sky Germany refuted such rumors shortly after they surfaced, saying that Thiaw is not close to joining Newcastle and that the two teams are not close to reaching a deal.
According to Thiaw’s agent Gordon Stipic, “the current reporting about my client Malick Thiaw in connection with a possible transfer to Newcastle United is false and incorrect,” the information provided by Sky appears to be accurate. I won’t comment on any new rumors as a result.
After moving from Schalke to AC Milan, Thiaw has made 54 appearances. However, a nasty hamstring injury kept him out of action for much of the previous campaign. Sky Germany even went so far as to say that Thiaw is “happy” at Milan and would rather stay rather than sign with Newcastle and skip the upcoming season of continental competition.
It is generally known that Newcastle United is aggressively trying to bolster their roster in preparation for the upcoming campaign, with a particular emphasis on adding a right winger and a new center-back in the coming days and weeks. The Magpies may attempt to acquire a striker in addition, depending on what transpires with Callum Wilson and his possible sale.
As of right now, Lewis Hall, who already played for NUFC last year, and two reserve goalies are the only somewhat viable signings Howe has made for the next season. Lloyd Kelly, 25, was brought in on a free transfer when his contract with Bournemouth expired.
AC Milan is apparently asking for a rather high fee in case anyone wants to pursue Thiaw’s signing, regardless of whether Newcastle ends up obtaining him. Since Howe had to handle Thiaw in the UCL group stage last season, Thiaw’s performances in the Champions League last season undoubtedly increased his price relative to previous summer.
Currently, Howe and the team’s new sporting director, Paul Mitchell, are working to further their transfer negotiations while away from home because there are just 15 days left until Premier League games begin. The team needs to add players to a very weak roster.
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