Newcastle United take initial steps to sign German-Senegalese defender Malick Thiaw

Newcastle United have officially opened talks with AC Milan to sign Germany-born defender of Senegal descent Malick Thiaw.

According to Transfer Insider Fabrizio Romano, the Italian Serie A club is working to secure the services of the 23-year-old defender.

The Magpies are determined to bolster their defensive options, with injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles increasing the urgency for reinforcements.

Thiaw, who featured in 22 Serie A matches during the 2024/25 season, has already turned down €25 million offers from Como and Crystal Palace.

Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri remains eager to keep the centre-back, with the club valuing him at €40 million and insisting that only a significant bid above market rate would be considered.

Newcastle face competition from Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich but are determined to complete the signing before the transfer deadline on August 30, 2025.