Newcastle in direct contact to sign player desired by Howe – Magpies could table offer soon

On Wednesday, Sport Mediaset reported Newcastle United aren’t willing to give up chasing AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw.

In the ‘past few days’, the Magpies have had direct contact with the Italian club for the 22-year-old, who is ‘liked a lot’ by Eddie Howe.

That’s according to Calciomercato, who say Newcastle have found out Milan’s willingness to sell the defender this summer. He’s also attracted to the idea of moving to England.

The Rossoneri, who intend to retain him, will have to revaluate their stance if they were to receive an offer of around €35-40m.

Newcastle aren’t the only English club to have shown interest in the centre-back. The details aren’t mentioned, but Calciomercato say those other clubs are expected to make contact with Thiaw’s agent Gordon Stipic-Wipfler in the next few days.

Thiaw earns €800,000 per year and he would like to improve his salary. The Premier League ‘temptation becomes stronger and stronger’, and he can increase his wages if he were to move to England.

Over at Corriere dello Sport, they say Newcastle have only made contact for the Germany international so far.

It’s claimed the ‘operation could come to life in the next few days’ because Howe’s side could table a €40m bid for Thiaw.

On Wednesday the asking price was put at €25-30m, so it’s far from certain what Milan actually want.