Malick Thiaw is not expected to leave Newcastle United amid growing interest from Manchester United ahead of the summer window.
According to The Telegraph, Manchester United could suffer a blow in their pursuit of German international Malick Thiaw. The defender is not expected to leave Newcastle United in the summer, with Eddie Howe viewing him as a key player in his plans moving forward.
Newcastle United need to get their transfers right, and, comparing the signings they made last summer, not all have clicked. For instance, the big-money striker signings Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have not impressed, although Malick Thiaw has shone.
The German defender, signed in a £35 million deal from AC Milan, has proven himself as a top option in their defence. Since making his debut in the late defeat at home to Liverpool, Thiaw has started all of his 23 games since, apart from being an unused substitute for the two games since the Liverpool loss.
His starting role underlines how important the £35 million Newcastle United defender has been for Eddie Howe’s plans. The investment in the player itself is a signal that the Magpies are thinking about the long-term future of the defence, as Thiaw is expected to be a big part of it.
Manchester United were recently linked with Thiaw, although the defender is not expected to leave St James’ Park in the summer. In fact, should his importance in the team continue on its current trajectory, it is difficult for other teams to prise him away in the near future.
Why are Manchester United interested in Malick Thiaw?
Thiaw represents a shrewd investment in the long-term future of Manchester United’s defence, with the report stating he could be a replacement for Harry Maguire. The latter is expected to agree a new deal, which might be short-term, meaning a player like the German international could lay the groundwork to take over that role.
Manchester United have the likes of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt as their central options on Maguire’s side. However, the pursuit of players like Thiaw shows they are serious about adding a competitive edge to their backline, but at the moment, the £35 million Newcastle United defender is unavailable for the summer window.
