Newcastle United are nowhere close to signing Malick Thiaw from AC Milan despite widespread reporting stating the contrary.
Malick Thiaw’s agent, via Journalist Patrick Berger, insists Newcastle United are nowhere close to signing the AC Milan defender. There have been reports stating the contrary, as the Magpies are still on the lookout for a new centre-back in this window.
Malick Thiaw is not joining Newcastle United
Malick Thiaw is considered one of the top young defenders on the continent, with a huge future in front of him. AC Milan missed him for large periods last season with injuries, but when he was fit, Thiaw was a regular under former Rossoneri boss Stefano Pioli.
That might remain the same with new boss Paulo Fonseca, as the 22-year-old German international is considered key for the club. In case they were planning to sell, Milan had earlier hinted at a fee close to €35 million, which may not seem too much for Premier League clubs.
Some of the recent reporting has pointed at Newcastle United approaching Thiaw, with some quarters suggesting the Magpies were very close to signing him. The defender’s agent has come out through Journalist Patrick Berger to quash all reports surrounding an impending move to St James Park.
He said, “The current reporting about my client Malick Thiaw in connection with a possible transfer to Newcastle United is false and incorrect. Therefore, I will not comment on any further rumours.“
Those words clearly show nothing is happening in the background despite stories insisting the Magpies were getting really close to signing the young German international ahead of the new season.
Newcastle United still looking for a defender
Eddie Howe was rocked by late-season injuries to skipper Jamal Lascelles and Sven Botman, which may have seen them miss many more months before returning to full fitness. While the manager did not envisage making a splash for defenders before they went out, his priorities in the transfer window have drastically changed. They have already signed Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer from Bournemouth but lack cover in central areas.
Hence, Howe would be open to bringing in another centre-back for the right conditions. Thiaw represents a solid acquisition, although the agent’s comments might tell a different story altogether. The chances of the Magpies moving on from the 20-year-old are high as they might look at other names in the time remaining in this window.
