Newcastle United have been showing interest in AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw and Real Betis left-back Juan Miranda.
The club are in the market for an athletic right-sided centre-back – a profile Thiaw fits perfectly – and a left-back able to offer something different to Dan Burn, with both names discussed in a recent recruitment meeting.
Thiaw is an imposing 6ft 4′ defender who spent most of the 2022/23 season behind Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu in the pecking order at the San Siro, but Toon scouts have been keeping a close eye on the 21-year-old since the turn of the year.
The German U21 international made his debut for their senior side in June and started in AC’s Champions League semi final second leg against Inter Milan, featuring 27 times in all competitions last term.
His height, huge frame and deceptive recovery pace for a player of his size will appeal to Eddie Howe, along with the fact he’s already represented his country and competed in the Champions League at the age of 21.
As for Miranda, the 23-year-old looks set to represent Spain in this summer’s U21 European Championships and played in all bar one of Real Betis’ Europa League games last season. Like Thiaw, he’s also managed one international cap at senior level.
His contract is due to expire in 12 months time, offering scope for a cut-price deal should Newcastle up their interest in the former Barcelona youth product. With Betis also in the midst of financial trouble, a journalist with close links to the Spanish market tells us he may be available for less than £10m. If we plan to spend the bulk of our budget on two midfielders this summer, you can see why a move for Miranda may appeal.
It’s also interesting to note that h’s 6ft 1′. After benefiting from Burn’s height in this position over the past season, a left-back able to look after themselves physically and win aerial battles could make sense.
