- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC can confirm that Newcastle United and West Ham United have both held talks with AC Milan about two defender targets.
Both Premier League clubs are looking to further strengthen their defensive department this summer despite already signing Max Kilman and Lloyd Kelly respectively.
HITC understands that both Newcastle United and West Ham want to sign another centre-back and have held talks over Malick Thiaw and Fikayo Tomori.
Newcastle have been talking to Milan about Thiaw for several weeks – HITC can confirm that they have also talked about Tomori.
It is understood that the 26-year-old, who previously played for Chelsea, is open to the prospect of returning to the Premier League.
Tomori was admired by former Blues boss Frank Lampard, who hailed him as “oustanding“, but he has taken his game to a new level in Italy.
In a similar situation, West Ham also enquired about signing Thiaw before entering discussions over Tomori.
AC Milan are open to selling defensive duo
West Ham and Newcastle could find themselves in a transfer race after holding talks with the AC Milan duo.
HITC understands that Milan are open to allowing both Thiaw and Tomori to leave this summer.
The Italian giants are working on bringing in Red Bull Salzburg’s Serbian international defender Strahinja Pavlovic, allowing Thiaw and Tomori to depart would open up space in their squad.
Sources have told HITC that both Newcastle and West Ham also held discussions about Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, but he currently prefers a move to Juventus.
Both Premier League sides have now turned their attention towards Milan’s duo as they look to bring in additional defensive depth.
Not only will West Ham and Newcastle be battling to return to European football next season, but they could find themselves in a transfer battle for Thiaw and Tomori.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
