Newcastle transfer news: ‘£34.7m bid accepted’ for Eddie Howe’s “very good” long-term target

Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on the signing of defender Malick Thiaw from Serie A giants AC Milan.

The Magpies have endured a frustrating summer transfer window thus far and have lost out on a plethora of top targets, including both Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United, while the future of Liverpool-linked Alexander Isak remains up in the air.

Eddie Howe is believed to be prioritising attacking reinforcements, but he is also keen to bolster his options at centre-back, as both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles have struggled with injuries, forcing both Fabian Schar and Dan Burn to play regularly at the back.

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has been heavily linked with Newcastle for some time, but it is understood that Premier League champions Liverpool are at the front of the queue for his signature should the 25-year-old leave Selhurst Park.

Germany international Thiaw is believed to have been identified as a viable alternative and has been on the Magpies’ radar for more than 12 months.

Newcastle agree deal to sign "very good" Thiaw from Milan

Howe was asked about Thiaw last summer and told reporters: “I’m always reluctant to comment on these things, but he is a player I know about, of course I do, from our games in the Champions League against Milan, and he is a very good player.”

Recent reports claimed that Newcastle have made a direct approach to both Milan and Thiaw’s representatives to discuss a deal this summer.

Now, journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that an agreement is in place for Thiaw to join Newcastle, as Milan have verbally accepted a €40m (£34.7m) transfer package, including add-ons.

Romano adds that the deal is in the final stages and the 24-year-old will soon undergo a medical ahead of finalising his move to St James’ Park.

Thiaw on verge of becoming Newcastle’s third summer signing

Newcastle have signed winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55m and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on a season-long loan deal from Southampton so far this summer, with Thiaw on the verge of becoming the club’s third new addition.

Thiaw began his professional career with Schalke 04 before leaving in 2022 to join Milan, where he has made a total of 85 first-team appearances across all competitions.

Last season, the 6ft 4in central defender played 31 times for Milan and helped the club win the Supercoppa Italiana, although the Rossoneri had to settle for an eighth-placed finish in Serie A and lost the Coppa Italia final to Bologna.

Should Newcastle swiftly wrap up a deal for Thiaw, they are expected to step up their pursuit of Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, who is keen to join the Magpies and play in the Champions League next season.