Newcastle are thundering towards a €40 million deal for AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Magpies are operating with a sense of desperation in the market as they find themselves in the midst of a truly disastrous transfer window. Newcastle have missed out on a host of top targets while working with a makeshift recruitment department.
Earlier on Saturday, the giants from the Northeast officially suffered their biggest blow yet as Man Utd unveiled Benjamin Sesko as their new No.9. Newcastle had a bid agreed by RB Leipzig, but he had his heart set on a move to Old Trafford, even reducing his salary demands to make the move possible.
In the wake of Sesko’s move to Man Utd, Newcastle have once again reiterated that star striker Alexander Isak is not for sale, no matter how much he agitates for a move to Liverpool. Nevertheless, the Magpies remain in the market for a new forward.
But they are also trying to strengthen other areas of the pitch, with Eddie Howe saying on Friday that he is still hopeful of being able to secure several signings before the window slams shut in a few weeks.
Newcastle close in on Thiaw signing
In recent days, Newcastle reopened talks with AC Milan for defender Malick Thiaw, a player who has been on the Magpies’ radar for several years. A €30 million bid was rejected by the Rossoneri, but discussions have continued.
New Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is keen to retain Thiaw, who has impressed the Italian tactician in pre-season, but the club hierarchy appears to favour a sale to fund further incomings.
Indeed, according to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are now closing in on the signing of the Germany international after a fresh bid of €40m. The talks are ‘advancing fast’ and the player is keen on the move.
An agreement is now close and the deal is expected to happen ‘if all goes to plan,’ Romano states. Thiaw will be the first of what is hoped will be numerous major signings, with Yoane Wissa and another forward also on the agenda.
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