Newcastle Utd news: AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw set to bolster Eddie Howe’s defence
Newcastle United are set to announce the signing of Malick Thiaw from Serie A titans AC Milan.
The Magpies have had a frustrating summer, missing out on several key targets, while wantaway star Alexander Isak looks to force a way out of St. James’ Park.
Eddie Howe has admitted that Newcastle are being “controlled” and “limited” by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Who have Newcastle United signed this summer?
Despite PSR restrictions, the North East outfit have still managed to somewhat reinforce their squad this summer.
Swedish forward Anthony Elanga was brought in from fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest for £55million.
The Magpies have also been able to poach Aaron Ramsdale from freshly-relegated Southampton on a season-long loan.
While both are good signings, Newcastle still need to get more new faces through the door ahead of a second Champions League campaign in three years.
Malick Thiaw to join Newcastle United
According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are closing in on a deal to do just that.
Howe’s side are set to complete a deal worth €40million, including add-ons, for German defender Thiaw, who will sign a four-year deal.
The 24-year-old is understood to have flown to Tyneside over the weekend and completed a medical with the Magpies on Monday.
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What will Malick Thiaw bring to Newcastle United?
Having made 31 appearances in all competitions last term, Thiaw has been an important figure at the San Siro over the last three years.
Fast, strong and powerful, the centre-back has an exceptional ability to anticipate and deal with danger at the back.
The German international is also aerially dominant, having won 64.5% of his aerial duels in the Serie A last season.
In comparison, current Magpies central defender Fabian Schar, who featured 34 times in the Premier League last season, only managed to win 44% of duels in the air.
Thiaw is a great talent, so much so that AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri was reportedly heavily reluctant to let the German leave.
Newcastle are bringing in a superb defender and one that could be a staple of the back line at St. James’ Park for years to come.
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