- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Newcastle United are close to finalising a deal for German international Malick Thiaw.
The Tyneside club progressed in talks with AC Milan over the weekend and a deal for the 22-year-old is now close to being completed.
AC Milan are to seal the signature of RB Salzburg’s Strahinja Pavlovic – a player that Newcastle United also liked – which is set to have a domino effect in the transfer market.
Milan capturing Pavlovic has allowed them to move on Thiaw and Newcastle are now making swift progress over a deal.
It was revealed by HITC earlier this month that both Newcastle and West Ham had held talks with AC Milan over defensive duo Thiaw and Fikayo Tomori.
HITC can now confirm that talks have progressed with Newcastle and Thiaw’s representatives and a broad agreement over his personal terms are now in place.
Newcastle United fee for Malick Thiaw
With Newcastle United now making good progress in their pursuit of Thiaw, the two clubs are approaching an agreement.
HITC understands that the total package deal will be worth £35million including add-ons.
Newcastle have kept their spending small so far this summer with deals for Lewis Hall and Odysseas Vlachodimos the only two completed so far – John Ruddy and Lloyd Kelly have also arrived on free transfers.
Newcastle United move onto new targets
With Newcastle eager to push on under their Saudi owners and return to the Champions League under Eddie Howe, they have already identified their next transfer target.
READ MORE: ‘Very surprising…’ Kevin Nolan shocked by Newcastle United transfer rumour he’s been told
HITC understands that their current priorities in the transfer market are a new central defender and a right-sided forward.
Newcastle target Federico Chiesa fits the bill and the Italy international is set for crunch talks at Juventus ahead of a potential summer move.
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