Last night, we saw Sky Italy report that we’ve ‘returned’ for Malick Thiaw after strong links with the AC Milan centre-back last month.
New claims have now arrived from Italy on the 22-year-old, with Calciomercato sharing their latest information on the highly-rated German believed to be one of our leading targets this summer.
They report that Milan considers him to be a key player, but would reluctantly sell if an offer of ‘at least’ €40m arrived from St James’ Park. The same piece adds that they won’t ‘hold anyone back against their will’, suggesting they will not stand in Thiaw’s way.
Calciomercato report that his representatives have been working on a potential move to the Premier League since January and that Newcastle have re-established contact with the player’s agency (USG) this week after holding initial talks – without making a ‘written offer ‘ – with Milan in June.
In the mean time, Milan continue to be heavily linked with a move for Serbian star Strahinja Pavlović; Thiaw’s potential replacement should we strike a deal with the Serie A giants?
So, if reports in Italy are to be believed, we’ve returned to the table in a bid to strike a deal. However, Milan have made Newcastle and Thiaw’s representatives aware that it will take ‘a lot of money’ to prise him away from the San Siro.
It’s worth noting that the agency who look after Thiaw – USG (Unique Sports Group) – have Anthony Gordon are their most valuable client, with Callum Wilson, Lewis Miley, Jamaal Lascelles and Isaac Hayden also on their books. This only means so much, but it always helps if the club have a prior relationship with the representatives of a target and could work in our favour if a fee is agreed with Milan.
Hopefully renewed contact with his agent is true and this is a sign we’re stepping up our transfer plans now Paul Mitchell is in place and Eddie Howe is happy to crack on after clear-the-air talks over the weekend.