If a few days ago it seemed like Malick Thiaw could be following Sandro Tonali to Newcastle United, it now feels like a stay at AC Milan is almost certain.
According to Calciomercato.com, contrary to reports from other sources there has ‘never been the feeling’ that Newcastle wanted to tempt Milan into selling Thiaw, by placing a big offer for the German defender.
Eddie Howe, the Magpies’ head coach, admitted that he likes Thiaw but there is ‘not even a shadow of a concrete offer’ to this point. Milan wants at least €35m for the former Schalke talent, otherwise they will gladly keep him.
The player himself would be happy to stay too because he is happy at Milan, while there is also a time issue. The 22-year-old is not the type of player who can be sold at the end of the window for two reasons: firstly he is considered a starter, and secondly time is needed to find a replacement.
In recent days, several sources have reported Newcastle’s attempts to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, who shares the same agency with Thiaw: Unique Sports Group. This begs the question about whether they really wanted Thiaw or if it was just a way to open talks with his entourage.